NBA slams Sowore for holding media briefing in court

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has lashed out at former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, for holding a media briefing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

A mild drama ensued in the court on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as Sowore clashed with a lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), over an attempt to address journalists inside the courtroom.

Reacting via a statement issued on Wednesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are meant for the orderly administration of justice and not for publicity or performance.

Osigwe noted that Sowore entered the courtroom and later moved to the inner bar, where he addressed what the former presidential candidate described as national issues, despite his case not being scheduled for hearing.

The NBA president described the incident as unacceptable, stressing that courtrooms are solemn spaces dedicated to justice and should not be used for advocacy theatrics or publicity.

He stated: “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 use of a courtroom as a venue for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”

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While noting that citizens have the right to observe court proceedings, Osigwe emphasised that such access must be exercised responsibly and with respect for judicial authority.

Osigwe also expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers who insisted on maintaining decorum, and called on court authorities to ensure courtrooms remain protected spaces for the administration of justice.

Osigwe reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to defending the dignity of the legal profession and preserving the sanctity of judicial proceedings.

“The courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access, not spectacle, confrontation, or disorder,” the NBA boss added.

The Star