‘Courtroom not for advocacy theatrics’ – NBA faults Sowore

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Sowore

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

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Sowore was involved in a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, after attempting to speak with journalists inside the courtroom. Adetunbi had objected, insisting that the court was not the appropriate venue for a media briefing.

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Sowore, however, pushed back, saying, “You’re intimidating me and insulting my intelligence because you’re introducing yourself to me as a SAN. I also have my own SANs.”

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In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its president, Afam Osigwe, the NBA acknowledged that courtrooms in a democratic setting are open to the public to ensure transparency, but stressed that such access must be guided by order, discipline, and respect for judicial authority.

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“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore,” the statement said.

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According to the NBA, Sowore entered the courtroom alongside associates carrying recording devices and mobile phones, and “proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself.”

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The association stated that members of his entourage attended to him “in a manner akin to a broadcast setting,” after which he moved into the inner bar, sat on a table, and began speaking on “a range of national issues,” despite the fact that his case was not scheduled for hearing and he was not accompanied by legal counsel.

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It noted that the situation created tension in the courtroom and led to a standoff with Adetunbi, who insisted on preserving proper courtroom conduct.

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“Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law,” the NBA stated.

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The body further emphasised that turning a courtroom into a stage for “publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.”

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While affirming that citizens have the right to observe court proceedings, the association clarified that such access “does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings or actions capable of undermining the dignity and authority of the court.”

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The NBA condemned Sowore’s actions and declared support for Adetunbi and other lawyers who sought to maintain order during the incident.

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“We also call on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners,” the statement added.

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The association reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal profession and safeguarding the sanctity of court proceedings, stressing that courtrooms must remain spaces defined by order, respect, and disciplined advocacy.

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