The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the conduct of former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court, describing it as a disruption of courtroom decorum.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly involved a confrontation between Sowore and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, during an attempt by the activist to address journalists داخل the courtroom.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said that while courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency, they must be conducted with discipline, restraint and respect for judicial authority.
“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore,” the statement read.
According to the association, Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to be preparing for a press briefing within the court premises.
The NBA stated that his team attended to him in a manner resembling a broadcast setting before he allegedly moved into the inner bar, sat on a table and began addressing national issues, despite his case not being scheduled for hearing and without legal representation present.
The development reportedly led to tension and a confrontation with Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom order.
“Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law,” the NBA said.
The association stressed that using courtrooms for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation” is unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards required in judicial proceedings.
While affirming that citizens have the right to attend court sessions, the NBA clarified that such access does not permit transforming courtrooms into platforms for press briefings or actions that undermine judicial authority.
The body expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who upheld courtroom discipline, while also calling on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain secure spaces for the orderly administration of justice.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the legal profession and maintaining the sanctity of judicial processes across the country.
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