NBA Tackles Sowore For Clashing With Lawyer Over Press Briefing In Courtroom

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised activist Omoyele Sowore over his actions at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a video circulating online, Sowore was seen in a heated exchange with Musibau Adetunbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, inside the courtroom while trying to speak with journalists.

Adetunbi had attempted to stop the interview, pointing out that such activity goes against courtroom rules.

Sowore, however, insisted that since the judge had not yet arrived, there was nothing wrong with what he was doing.

The argument quickly escalated, with both sides disagreeing over what members of the public are allowed to do inside a courtroom.

The tension continued until a court official stepped in and called for order ahead of the judge’s arrival.

In a statement signed by its president, Afam Osigwe, the NBA said it was deeply troubled by the incident.

The association stressed that while courts are open to the public, they are not meant to be used for displays or confrontations but for the proper handling of legal matters.

“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 reads.

The NBA also warned against turning court premises into platforms for media attention or activism, describing such conduct as inappropriate.

While acknowledging that people have the right to attend court sessions, the association said that right must be exercised with discipline and respect for the setting.

“Public access to the courts does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings,” the statement added.

“The NBA therefore condemns Mr. Sowore’s disruption of the courtroom environment and expresses solidarity with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, and all lawyers who insisted on maintaining decorum.

“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 in the discharge of their professional duties.”

Watch the video below:

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