The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Omoyele Sowore, activist and former presidential candidate for disrupting proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Recall that Sowore was involved in a confrontation with Musibau Adetunbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria after attempting to speak with journalists inside the courtroom.
Adetunbi had objected, insisting that the court was not the appropriate venue for a media briefing.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Afam Osigwe, its president, the NBA acknowledged that courtrooms in a democratic setting 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 reads partly, “turning a courtroom into a stage for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”
The NBA stressed that while courtrooms are open to the public to ensure transparency, access must be exercised with order, respect, and discipline.
He reportedly moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and spoke on national issues, despite the fact that his case was not scheduled for hearing and he was not represented by legal counsel.
“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 stage for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”
The NBA condemned Sowore’s actions and declared 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.