The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over what it described as an inappropriate use of a courtroom for media-related activities, following an incident on March 24, 2026, at the Federal High Court Abuja.
In a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association emphasized that courtrooms are meant strictly for the administration of justice and not for publicity or advocacy events.
According to the NBA, Omoyele Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to prepare for a press briefing. The statement noted that members of his team were seen arranging his appearance in a manner similar to a media broadcast setup.
The situation reportedly escalated when Sowore moved into the inner bar area, sat on a table, and began addressing various national issues while being recorded.
The NBA pointed out that his case was not scheduled for hearing at the time and that he was not accompanied by legal counsel.
The development led to tension in the courtroom, including a confrontation with Musibau Adetunbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who objected to the conduct and called for adherence to courtroom decorum.
The NBA stressed that while court proceedings are open to the public to promote transparency, such access must be exercised responsibly. It warned that actions capable of disrupting proceedings, intimidating legal practitioners, or undermining judicial authority are inconsistent with the rule of law.
The association condemned the incident and expressed support for legal practitioners who insisted on maintaining order, including Musibau Adetunbi.
Reaffirming its stance, the NBA called on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces dedicated to orderly judicial processes.
It added that it would continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and uphold the sanctity of court proceedings.
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