Turning court into stage for publicity is unacceptable – NBA blast Sowore

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore for disrupting proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing his actions as a serious breach of courtroom etiquette.

In a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, the association said, “Turning a courtroom into a stage for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.” The NBA stressed that while courtrooms are open to the public to ensure transparency, access must be exercised with order, respect, and discipline.

The body noted that Sowore, accompanied by associates carrying recording devices and mobile phones, appeared to set up a press briefing inside the courtroom.

He reportedly moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and spoke on national issues, despite the fact that his case was not scheduled for hearing and he was not represented by legal counsel.

The incident reportedly led to a standoff with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who insisted on maintaining proper courtroom conduct.

The NBA emphasised that any behaviour that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law.

The association urged court authorities to safeguard courtrooms from acts capable of undermining the integrity and authority of judicial proceedings, while reaffirming its commitment to upholding the sanctity of the legal profession.

NBA warned that citizens’ right to observe court proceedings does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for publicity or press briefings.