The Northern Ethnic Youth Groups Assembly (NEYGA) has urged Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu to immediately secure all court premises across Nigeria, following the emergence of a viral video showing activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confronting a lawyer inside the Federal High Court in Abuja.
NEYGA Condemns Viral Video of Sowore at Abuja Court
In a statement signed by NEYGA spokesman Mallam Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the group condemned footage that showed Sowore and a group of supporters pressuring a legal practitioner to withdraw statements made inside the courtroom. NEYGA described the incident as "a national disgrace" and demanded that the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) take a clear position in defence of its members.
The coalition warned that the behaviour put not only legal practitioners at risk but also any member of the public with legitimate business at court. "It is unacceptable that a politician would turn the temple of justice into a theatre for intimidation," the statement read. "This behavior poses a clear and present danger not only to legal practitioners but to innocent citizens who visit the courts for legitimate businesses."
Rule of Law Concerns Raised by Northern Group
NEYGA further argued that the incident raised questions about Sowore's fitness as a public figure and the example being set for younger Nigerians observing his conduct. The group urged law enforcement to respond decisively, warning that allowing such behaviour to go unchecked near courtrooms would weaken respect for the rule of law across Nigeria.
The statement highlighted that the incident occurred at a time when public confidence in judicial institutions is critical, and the group called on the police to ensure that all court premises are protected from intimidation and disruption.
Alleged Electoral Act Violation by Sowore
Beyond the immediate confrontation, the group accused Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, of using judicial premises for political activity, which they said breaches electoral law. "Aside clearly being in contempt of court, Sowore's actions are a clear violation of the Electoral Act. Under Section 92 of the Electoral Act, public offices, police stations, and designated spaces cannot be used for political campaigns, rallies, or partisan activities. Courts of law are public and judicial institutions, making political campaigning inside them strictly prohibited," NEYGA stated.
The group's demand comes as part of broader concerns about the conduct of political figures in judicial settings, and they have called on the NBA to take a stand to protect its members from such incidents. The Inspector-General of Police has yet to respond publicly to the group's request, but NEYGA's statement emphasizes the need for immediate action to maintain the integrity of Nigeria's judicial system.
