The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his actions as a “gross disruption of courtroom decorum” and “an affront to the dignity of the judiciary.”
The incident occurred at the Federal High Court when the former presidential candidate clashed with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria while attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NBA said such behaviour “undermines the sanctity of the temple of justice and sets a bad precedent for citizens interacting with the judicial system.”
According to NBA President, Afam Osigwe, who signed the statement, “courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public not as arenas for performance, but as sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice.”
Osigwe noted that courtroom openness promotes transparency and public confidence, yet it also imposes a duty of restraint on all who enter.
“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr. Omoyele Sowore, yesterday March 24th, 2026, at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Mr. Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by a number of individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment. He proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself. Members of his team attended to him, fanning his face and tidying his appearance in a manner akin to a broadcast setting.
“He subsequently moved into the inner bar, sat on one of the tables, and, as cameras were directed at him, began addressing what he described as ‘a range of national issues.’ Notably, Mr. Sowore’s case was not listed for hearing, and he was not accompanied by any legal practitioner during this episode. The development led to tension within the courtroom and a confrontation with learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum,” he stated.
Osigwe added that courtrooms are solemn spaces dedicated to the administration of justice, and any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a “grave affront to the rule of law.”
He further noted that “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.”
While every Nigerian, including Sowore, is entitled to attend and observe court proceedings, Osigwe said such rights “must be exercised responsibly and with due regard to courtroom decorum.”
“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.”
Osigwe also called 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.
The NBA boss further noted that the organisation will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
