The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the actions of activist, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his behaviour as a disruption of courtroom order.
The incident happened on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, when Sowore reportedly had a disagreement with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) while trying to speak to journalists inside the courtroom. A video shared online showed the lawyer confronting him, insisting that the courtroom was not the right place for a press briefing.
Sowore, during the exchange, however, disagreed with the lawyer, saying, “You’re intimidating me and insulting my intelligence because you’re introducing yourself to me as a SAN. I also have my own SANs.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 25, the NBA, led by its President Afam Osigwe (SAN), said that courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency and public confidence, but that activities in the courts must be conducted with restraint, discipline 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 said.
In a swift reaction to the NBA’s statement, however, Sowore rejected the claims made by the Association and described them as unfair and misleading, stressing that “ …this is yet another sad day for democracy in Nigeria.”
He argued that while the NBA may want to defend its members, such action should not be based on incorrect information, noting that “The truth matters especially from an institution that claims to uphold fairness, justice and the rule of law.”
The NBA, in its statement, had stated that Sowore entered the courtroom with individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment and “proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself.”
According to the statement, members of Sowore’s team attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” after which he moved into the inner bar, sat on a table and began addressing “a range of national issues,” despite his case not being listed for hearing and his not being accompanied by any legal practitioner.
The situation reportedly caused tension in the courtroom and led to a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to the actions and insisted that proper courtroom conduct must be maintained.
“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 stated.
It added that the use of a courtroom as a venue for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”
While noting that every Nigerian has the right to attend court proceedings, the NBA stressed that such access “does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings or actions capable of undermining the dignity and authority of the court.”
The Association said it condemns Sowore’s actions and expressed support for Musibau Adetunbi and other lawyers who insisted on maintaining order.
“We also call on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners,” the statement added.
The NBA said it will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings, stressing that the courtroom must remain a place of order, respect and disciplined advocacy.
Sowore, in his reaction to the NBA’s statement, denied the claim that he held a press conference inside the courtroom, insisting that he was at the court for official reasons.
“First, the NBA and its president falsely claimed that I staged a press conference in court on a day when my case was not listed. This is incorrect.
“I was present at the Federal High Court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out a baseless cybercrime charge filed against me in January 2025 by the then illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.”
He further explained that there were issues with signing the court order due to fresh applications filed by the police.
“Upon arrival, the court registrar informed me that the judge had declined to sign the order because the @PoliceNG had secretly filed an ex parte motion to relist the case, and then curiously filed another motion to withdraw that same ex parte application.
“We were told that Justice M.S. Liman would only sign the ruling after addressing those motions. We protested this irregularity and were asked to wait for the judge to resume sitting.”
According to him, journalists approached him while he was waiting, and he only responded to their questions.
“While waiting, media personnel attached to the Federal High Court approached me as they routinely do and requested comments. I obliged. This is standard practice.
“I did not organize any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years.”
Sowore also criticised the NBA for what he described as selective reactions to issues affecting the justice system.
“The NBA’s selective outrage is troubling. Where was this energy when the DSS operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge? Where was the defense of the sanctity of the court when state actors repeatedly violated court orders and trampled on the rights of citizens?”
He also accused a senior lawyer of misconduct during the incident.
“Instead, we now see an attempt to distort facts and shield misconduct by a senior member of the bar… who acted recklessly with impunity.”
Sowore maintained that his case was properly before the court and that legal representatives were present.
“It is also important to note that court records will show that my case was indeed before the court, with both the police counsel and my lawyer present.
“After proceedings, the judge reaffirmed his decision striking out the case and ordered the release of my international passport.”
He further alleged intimidation during the incident.
“The attempt by some lawyers… to intimidate and harass us in court, issuing threats, attempting to destroy equipment, and even calling the police, only underscores the growing culture of impunity.”
He concluded by calling on the NBA to act with fairness and consistency.
“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.
“Indeed, this is another sad day for democracy in Nigeria.”
