NBA and Sowore Engage in Heated Dispute Over Courtroom Behavior
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong condemnation of the conduct exhibited by former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The association alleges that Sowore attempted to conduct a media briefing inside one of the courtrooms, an action it views as a serious breach of established rules of etiquette and procedural norms.
NBA President Emphasizes Courtroom Decorum and Discipline
In a statement released yesterday, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) described the incident as a disruption of courtroom decorum. He emphasized that while the courtroom is open to the public in a constitutional democracy, it must not be used for purposes unrelated to adjudication.
Osigwe stated: "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."
He further clarified that public access to courts is a right that must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for decorum. Osigwe noted that this access does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for media briefings or any actions that could undermine the dignity and authority of the court, regardless of whether the court is in session.
Osigwe stressed that the primary purpose of a courtroom is adjudication, and its openness should promote transparency and public confidence. However, he added that this openness also imposes a duty of restraint on all individuals who enter, requiring them to respect judicial authority and maintain discipline.
Sowore Denies Allegations and Accuses NBA of Falsehoods
In response, Omoyele Sowore has vehemently denied the NBA's allegations. Reacting via a post on his verified X handle, Sowore labeled the statement as a sad day for democracy in Nigeria. He accused the NBA of building its defense on falsehoods, despite the institution's claim to uphold fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
Sowore explained: "The NBA and its President falsely claimed that I staged a press conference in court on a day when my case was not listed. This is incorrect."
He detailed that he was present at the Federal High Court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order that struck out a baseless cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025 by the then-illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Upon arrival, Sowore said the court registrar informed him that the judge had declined to sign the order because the police had secretly filed an ex parte motion to relist the case, followed by another motion to withdraw that same application. They were told that Justice M.S. Liman would only sign the ruling after addressing those motions.
Sowore and his team protested this irregularity and were asked to wait for the judge to resume sitting. While waiting, media personnel attached to the Federal High Court approached him for comments, which he obliged, noting that this is a standard practice. He emphasized that these journalists are part of the court environment and routinely interact with lawyers, litigants, and observers.
Sowore added: "Even Mr. Afam Osigwe SAN himself witnessed a courtroom filled with media during my first day of trial."
Implications for Judicial Proceedings and Public Perception
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between activist movements and institutional bodies in Nigeria regarding the boundaries of acceptable behavior in judicial settings. The NBA's stance underscores the importance of maintaining courtroom discipline to preserve the integrity of legal processes, while Sowore's rebuttal raises questions about transparency and the role of media in court environments.
The incident may prompt further discussions on how to balance public access with the need for decorum, potentially influencing future guidelines for conduct in Nigerian courts. Both parties' statements reflect broader concerns about democracy, rule of law, and accountability in the country's legal system.
