The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly criticised activist Omoyele Sowore following a disruption at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the development as a threat to courtroom decorum and the rule of law.
The incident occurred on Tuesday and drew public attention after a video circulated online showing Mr Sowore engaged in a heated exchange with senior advocate Musibau Adetunbi inside the courtroom. The confrontation reportedly took place shortly before the commencement of court proceedings.
According to accounts of the incident, the disagreement began when Mr Sowore attempted to address journalists within the courtroom environment. His action was immediately challenged by Mr Adetunbi, who objected on the grounds that such conduct was inconsistent with established courtroom procedures and professional standards expected within judicial settings.
Mr Sowore, however, maintained that his actions did not violate any rules. He argued that the judge had not yet taken the bench and that proceedings had not officially commenced, suggesting that the space remained accessible at the time. This position led to a verbal exchange between both men, with each asserting their interpretation of acceptable conduct within the court premises.
The situation escalated into a tense standoff, attracting the attention of other individuals present in the courtroom. Order was eventually restored following the intervention of a court official, who urged restraint and called for calm as preparations for the sitting were underway.
Reacting to the incident, the NBA, through its president Afam Osigwe, issued a statement expressing what it described as “grave concern” over the development. The association emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity and sanctity of courtrooms at all times.
“Courtrooms are solemn spaces dedicated to the administration of justice. Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law,” the statement said.
The NBA further stressed that while members of the public and the media have the right to access court proceedings, such access does not extend to actions that may disrupt the judicial process or convert court premises into platforms for press engagement or advocacy.
“Public access to the courts does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings,” the association stated, warning against any behaviour capable of undermining the authority of the court.
The association also condemned Mr Sowore’s conduct during the incident and expressed solidarity with Mr Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who insisted on maintaining professional standards and courtroom discipline.
In addition, the NBA called on relevant authorities to take necessary steps to safeguard court environments from actions that could interfere with judicial proceedings or intimidate legal practitioners in the discharge of their duties.
