By Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian Politician and Activist, faced criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over his courtroom conduct at the Federal High Court on March 24, 2026.
In a statement on X today, Sowore defended his actions, insisting he did not hold a press conference. “I was present at the Federal High Court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out a baseless cybercrime charge filed against me in January 2025 by the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun,” he said. He explained that upon arrival, “the court registrar informed me that the judge had declined to sign the order because the Police had secretly filed an ex parte motion to relist the case, and then curiously filed another motion to withdraw that same ex parte application.”
Sowore added, “While waiting, media personnel attached to the Federal High Court approached me as they routinely do and requested comments. I obliged. This is standard practice. These journalists are part of the court environment; they interact freely with lawyers, litigants, and observers.” He also noted that Senior Advocate Afam Osigwe SAN witnessed similar media presence during his previous trial in 2019.
The NBA, led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described Sowore’s actions on X as “a grave affront to the rule of law.” In a statement, Osigwe said, “Courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public not as arenas for performance, but as sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice. Access to the courtroom is therefore a right exercised within boundaries of decorum, discipline, and respect for judicial authority.”
The NBA accused Sowore of using the courtroom for publicity. The statement reads: “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,” Osigwe stated. “Members of his team attended to him, fanning his face and tidying his appearance in a manner akin to a broadcast setting.”
Osigwe also said Sowore’s actions caused tension: “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 Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.”
Sowore dismissed the NBA’s claims of disruption. “I did not organize any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years,” he said. He criticized the NBA for “selective outrage” and asked, “Where was this energy when DSS operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge?”
He further claimed that court records would confirm his presence and the legitimacy of his actions. “After proceedings, the judge reaffirmed his decision striking out the case and ordered the release of my international passport, which had been unjustly seized,” he said. He also described confrontations with lawyers as part of a “growing culture of impunity” but maintained that “the police themselves found no wrongdoing.”
Osigwe countered, saying the NBA would continue to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings. “The NBA will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings. The courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access, not spectacle, confrontation, or disorder,” he said.
