Sowore Rejects NBA's Claim of Courtroom Press Conference
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has issued a direct response to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), firmly denying allegations that he orchestrated a press conference within the court premises. This rebuttal comes after NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), cautioned against using courtrooms as platforms for media briefings in a statement released on Wednesday.
NBA's Warning and Sowore's Reaction
Afam Osigwe conveyed his warning through the association's official X account, referencing an incident involving Sowore that occurred on Tuesday. In a post on his verified X handle, Sowore expressed his disappointment, stating, "I have read the statement issued by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, and I must say this is yet another sad day for democracy in Nigeria." He emphasized that while the NBA might feel obligated to defend its members, such actions should not be founded on inaccuracies.
Sowore highlighted the importance of truth, especially from an institution dedicated to fairness and justice. He clarified, "First, 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." Instead, he explained that his presence at the Federal High Court was solely to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling that dismissed a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025 by the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Details of the Court Visit
Upon arrival, Sowore was informed by the court registrar that Justice M.S. Liman had declined to sign the order due to a secret ex parte motion filed by the police to relist the case, which was later withdrawn. He and his team protested this irregularity and were asked to wait for the judge to resume sitting. During this waiting period, media personnel attached to the Federal High Court approached him for comments, a practice he described as standard.
"I obliged because I know this is standard practice," Sowore noted, adding that these journalists are integral to the court environment, interacting freely with lawyers, litigants, and observers. He pointed out that even Afam Osigwe had witnessed a courtroom filled with media during his initial trial. "I did not organize any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years," he asserted, referencing his 2019 treason trial under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Criticism of NBA's Selective Outrage
Sowore expressed concern over the NBA's selective outrage, questioning its absence during more severe incidents. "Where was this energy when DSS operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge? Where was the defense of the sanctity of the court when state actors repeatedly violated court orders?" he asked. He accused the NBA of distorting facts to shield misconduct by senior members, specifically mentioning Musbau Akinlami, SAN, whom he described as acting recklessly.
He further noted that court records would confirm his case was indeed before the court, with both police counsel and his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, present. After proceedings, the judge reaffirmed the decision to strike out the case and ordered the release of Sowore's international passport, which had been seized unjustly.
Allegations of Intimidation and Harassment
Sowore lamented the attempts by some lawyers, including Musbau Akinlami, to intimidate and harass him in court, involving threats, attempts to destroy equipment, and calls to the police. "This only underscores the growing culture of impunity," he stated. He added that the police found no wrongdoing, but the encounter served as a teachable moment.
In his closing remarks, Sowore argued that the NBA cannot genuinely defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and promoting misleading narratives against victims. "This is not just disappointing, it is dangerous. If the NBA truly seeks to protect the integrity of the legal profession and the courts, it must begin with honesty, consistency, and courage, not selective outrage. Indeed, this is another sad day for democracy in Nigeria," he concluded.
