The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja, warning that courtrooms must not be used as platforms for media briefings or public performances.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 24, the NBA described the courtroom as a solemn space meant strictly for the administration of justice and urged individuals to exercise restraint and respect judicial authority when accessing court premises.
According to the association, Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment and appeared to be preparing for a press briefing within the court.
The NBA said members of his team attended to him in a manner resembling a broadcast setup before he moved into the inner bar and began addressing national issues despite not having any case scheduled for hearing.
The development reportedly led to tension in the courtroom and a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.
The NBA noted that while courtrooms are open to the public to promote transparency and accountability, such access must be exercised responsibly and should not be stretched to include activities unrelated to judicial proceedings.
“The use of a courtroom as a venue for publicity or advocacy theatrics is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings,” the association said.
It further stated that any action capable of undermining the dignity of the court, intimidating legal practitioners, or disrupting proceedings amounts to a violation of the rule of law.
The association also expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers present during the incident and called on court authorities to ensure courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe, who signed the statement, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to defending the dignity of the legal profession and preserving the sanctity of judicial proceedings.