‘Affront to rule of law’ — NBA berates Sowore over courtroom press briefing
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of activist Omoyele Sowore following a disruption at the federal high court in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a viral video, Sowore was seen engaged in a heated exchange with Musibau Adetunbi (SAN) inside the courtroom while attempting to grant an interview to journalists.
Adetunbi had moved to stop the interaction, citing courtroom rules. However, Sowore argued that since the judge had not yet taken the bench, they were within their rights to proceed.
The disagreement quickly escalated, with both parties debating the limits of public access to courtrooms. The situation became tense until a court orderly intervened, calling for calm ahead of the judge’s arrival.
Reacting in a statement signed by its president, Afam Osigwe, the NBA said it viewed the incident “with grave concern.” The association stressed that, although courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public, they are not venues for performances but sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice.
“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 read.
The NBA further described the use of a courtroom as a platform for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation as “unacceptable.”
While acknowledging citizens’ right to attend court proceedings, the association emphasised that such rights must be exercised responsibly.
“Public access to the courts does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings,” it added.
The NBA therefore condemned Sowore’s actions and expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other legal practitioners who insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.
It also called on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the proper administration of justice, free from actions capable of intimidating legal professionals in the course of their duties.