NBA Issues Stern Warning Against Courtroom Media Briefings Following Sowore Incident
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong warning, stating that courtrooms must not be utilized as venues for media briefings or publicity events. This caution comes in response to a recent incident involving human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
NBA President Afam Osigwe's Statement on Courtroom Sanctity
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), released a statement via the association's official X account, expressing grave concern over the event that occurred on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026. Osigwe emphasized that courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency and confidence, but this access comes with a duty of restraint and respect for judicial authority.
"Courtrooms are sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice, not arenas for performance," Osigwe stated. He further explained that while public access is a right, it must be exercised within boundaries of decorum, discipline, and respect, ensuring that the courtroom remains dedicated solely to adjudication.
Details of the Sowore Courtroom Incident
According to the NBA, Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by 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. Members of his team attended to him, fanning his face and tidying his appearance in a manner akin to a broadcast setting.
Sowore then moved into the inner bar, sat on one of the tables, and began addressing what he described as "a range of national issues" as cameras were directed at him. Notably, his case was not listed for hearing, and he was not accompanied by any legal practitioner during this episode.
Confrontation and NBA's Condemnation
The development led to tension within the courtroom and a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum. Osigwe pointed out that any conduct undermining the dignity of the court, intimidating legal practitioners, or disrupting proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law.
"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," Osigwe added. He warned that while every Nigerian, including Sowore, is entitled to attend and observe court proceedings, this right must be exercised responsibly.
NBA's Call to Action and Solidarity
The NBA has condemned Sowore's disruption of the courtroom environment and expressed solidarity with Adetunbi (SAN) and all lawyers who insisted on maintaining decorum. The association called on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice, free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners in their professional duties.
Osigwe stressed that the NBA will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings. He reiterated that the courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access, not spectacle, confrontation, or disorder.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between activist expressions and judicial protocols in Nigeria, with the NBA reaffirming its commitment to upholding legal standards and courtroom integrity.
