The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the conduct of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his actions as a breach of courtroom etiquette.
Sowore was involved in a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, on Tuesday after attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom. Adetunbi objected, insisting that the court was not the proper venue for a media briefing.
Sowore, however, pushed back, 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 issued on Wednesday and signed by its president, Afam Osigwe, the NBA acknowledged that courtrooms in a democratic society are open to the public to ensure transparency, but stressed that such access must be guided by order, 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.
According to the NBA, Sowore entered the courtroom with associates carrying recording devices and mobile phones and “proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself.”
The association added that members of his entourage 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 speaking on “a range of national issues,” even though his case was not listed for hearing and he was not accompanied by legal counsel.
The NBA noted that the development created tension in the courtroom and resulted in a standoff with Adetunbi, who insisted on maintaining proper courtroom decorum.
“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.
The body further emphasised that turning a courtroom into a platform for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”
While affirming that citizens have the right to observe court proceedings, the association clarified 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 NBA condemned Sowore’s actions and expressed support for Adetunbi and other lawyers who sought to maintain order during the incident.
“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 association reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal profession and preserving the sanctity of court proceedings, stressing that courtrooms must remain spaces defined by order, respect, and disciplined advocacy.