The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for disrupting proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Reports from Newsheadline reveal that tension erupted when Sowore clashed with Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Musibau Adetunbi while attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom. A video circulating online shows Adetunbi insisting that the courtroom was not a proper venue for a press briefing, while Sowore countered, saying, “You’re intimidating me and insulting my intelligence because you’re introducing yourself to me as a SAN. I also have my own SANs.”
In a statement issued Wednesday and signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, the association emphasized that while courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to ensure transparency, proceedings must be conducted with discipline, restraint, and respect for judicial authority.
The NBA noted that Sowore entered the courtroom with individuals carrying cameras and recording equipment, seemingly preparing for a press conference. He then moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and addressed a range of national issues, despite his case not being scheduled for hearing and without the accompaniment of a legal practitioner.
“This conduct led to tension and a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the actions and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum,” the statement said.
The NBA stressed that any behavior undermining the dignity of the court, intimidating legal practitioners, or disrupting proceedings is a grave affront to the rule of law. It also reaffirmed that while Nigerians have the right to attend court proceedings, this does not extend to converting courtrooms into platforms for press briefings or advocacy theatrics.
The association condemned Sowore’s actions, expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers maintaining order, and urged court authorities to protect courtrooms as spaces for the disciplined administration of justice.
“The NBA will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings,” the statement concluded.
 has criticized former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore for disrupting proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja, calling his actions a breach of courtroom decorum.%%primary_category%% %%sitename%% %%title%% %%sep%%){kind=link}