Tension In Abuja Court As Nigerian Bar Association Takes Stand Against Omoyele Sowore

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association expressed concern over an incident that occurred on Tuesday, where Sowore was said to have clashed with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria while attempting to speak with journalists inside the courtroom.

A video that surfaced online showed the senior lawyer confronting Sowore, insisting that the courtroom was not the proper place for a press briefing. In response, Sowore accused the lawyer of trying to intimidate him, stating that introducing himself as a SAN was an insult to his intelligence.

The NBA noted that while courtrooms in a democratic society are open to the public to ensure transparency, proceedings must still be conducted with order, discipline, and respect for the judiciary.

According to the statement, Sowore entered the courtroom with individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to be setting up for a press interaction. The association said his team behaved in a manner similar to a broadcast setup, after which he reportedly moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began speaking on national issues.

The NBA further pointed out that Sowore’s case was not scheduled for hearing at the time and that he was not accompanied by legal counsel, which contributed to the tension that arose in the courtroom. The situation eventually led to a confrontation with Senior Advocate Musibau Adetunbi, who objected and insisted on maintaining order.

The association stressed that any action capable of undermining the court’s dignity, disrupting proceedings, or intimidating legal practitioners is a serious violation of the rule of law. It also emphasised that courtrooms should not be used as platforms for publicity or advocacy.

While reaffirming that members of the public have the right to attend court sessions, the NBA clarified that such access does not extend to turning the courtroom into a media space.

The association also voiced support for Adetunbi and other lawyers who stood for order during the incident, urging court authorities to safeguard the integrity of judicial spaces.

It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to upholding the dignity of the legal profession and protecting the sanctity of court proceedings.