OurReporter, Abuja
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and activist Omoyele Sowore have given differing accounts of an incident that occurred on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, raising concerns over courtroom conduct and media presence within judicial premises.
In a statement, NBA President Afam Osigwe SAN, said the association was concerned about Sowore’s actions, which it said disrupted the courtroom environment.
Osigwe stated that Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to address issues before cameras, despite not having a matter scheduled for hearing.
According to him, the development led to tension in the courtroom and drew objections from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who insisted on maintaining decorum.
He noted that courtrooms are meant for adjudication and warned against their use for activities unrelated to judicial proceedings.
“The courtroom exists solely for adjudication, and its openness cannot be stretched to permit activities unrelated to that purpose,” Osigwe said, adding that conduct capable of disrupting proceedings or undermining the authority of the court was unacceptable.
The NBA also called on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain orderly and free from actions that could interfere with the administration of justice.
However, Sowore, in a response, has denied the allegations, stating that he was at the court in connection with his case.
The activist said he had visited the court to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling striking out a cybercrime charge previously filed against him, adding that the matter was before the court due to applications filed by the police.
Sowore further explained that while waiting, journalists approached him for comments, which he obliged, maintaining that he did not organise a press conference.
“I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions,” he said.
He further stated that the presiding judge, Justice M. S. Liman, had yet to sign the order due to pending motions and would do so after addressing them.
The activist also criticised the NBA’s position, accusing it of misrepresenting the situation and failing to address previous incidents involving alleged misconduct by security agencies in court premises.
“The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and amplifying misleading narratives against victims of those abuses.
“This is not just disappointing, it is dangerous.
“If the NBA truly seeks to protect the integrity of the legal profession and the courts, it must begin with honesty, consistency, and courage. not selective outrage,” Sowore stated.
He also alleged that some lawyers attempted to intimidate him and members of the press during the incident, an issue ignored by the NBA’s statement.
Sowore added that the court later reaffirmed its earlier decision striking out the case and ordered the release of his international passport.
