NBA Condemns Omoyele Sowore’s "Courtroom Spectacle" and Warns Against Converting Judicial Sanctuaries into Media Briefing Zones

NBA President Afam Osigwe warns against using courtrooms for press conferences following Omoyele Sowore's incident in Abuja. Read the full NBA statement.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 6:24 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Guardian Nigeria

Defending the Sanctity of the Inner Bar

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has moved to protect the decorum of the nation's judicial spaces following a controversial scene at the Federal High Court in Abuja. NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) issued a formal warning on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, emphasizing that courtrooms are "sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice" rather than stages for media performances. The intervention highlights a growing concern within the legal profession regarding the encroachment of political advocacy and digital media recording into sensitive judicial environments.

The Sowore Incident: Prepared for Broadcast

The NBA’s statement was a direct reaction to the conduct of human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore on Tuesday. According to the association, Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by a team equipped with camera phones and recording gear. Eyewitness accounts detailed a scene akin to a television studio, where aides were seen tidying Sowore’s appearance and fanning his face in preparation for a broadcast. Despite not having a case listed for the day and appearing without legal counsel, Sowore reportedly moved into the inner bar—a space traditionally reserved for legal practitioners—and began addressing the cameras on a "range of national issues."

A Confrontation Over Courtroom Decorum

The activist's actions led to a sharp confrontation with Musibau Adetunbi (SAN). The Senior Advocate of Nigeria raised an immediate objection to the proceedings, insisting that the dignity of the court be maintained. The NBA has officially expressed its solidarity with Adetunbi, condemning the attempt to use the courtroom as a venue for "advocacy theatrics." Osigwe noted that while constitutional democracy guarantees public access to courts, this right is bounded by discipline and respect for judicial authority, which Sowore’s actions allegedly breached.