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‘A Sad Day for Democracy’ Sowore React As NBA Condemns Courtroom Conduct
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has slammed Omoyele Sowore for using a Federal High Court in Abuja as a stage for a media briefing, saying it’s unacceptable and undermines the dignity of the court.
In a statement, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, condemned Sowore’s actions, saying courtrooms are meant for the administration of justice, not publicity or advocacy theatrics.
The incident occurred on March 24th, 2026, when Sowore entered the courtroom with camera crew and began addressing national issues, despite his case not being listed for hearing.
The NBA has expressed solidarity with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to Sowore’s conduct, and called on court authorities to protect courtrooms from disruptions and ensure respect for judicial authority.
Reacting to the Statement, Sowore wrote on his official social media pages:
Response to Nigeria Bar Association and its President Afam Osigwe
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.
While I understand that the NBA may feel compelled to defend one of its own, such defense must not be built on falsehoods.
The truth matters especially from an institution that claims to uphold fairness, justice and the rule of law.
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.
I was present at the Federal High Court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out a baseless cybercrime charge filed against me in January 2025 by the then illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Upon arrival, the court registrar informed me that the judge had declined to sign the order because the @PoliceNG had secretly filed an ex parte motion to relist the case, and then curiously filed another motion to withdraw that same ex parte application.
We were told that Justice M.S. Liman would only sign the ruling after addressing those motions. We protested this irregularity and were asked to wait for the judge to resume sitting.
While waiting, media personnel attached to the Federal High Court approached me as they routinely do and requested comments.
I obliged. This is standard practice. These journalists are part of the court environment; they interact freely with lawyers, litigants, and observers. Even Mr. @afamosigwe SAN himself witnessed a courtroom filled with media during my first day of trial.
I did not organize any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years, including during my 2019 treason trial under the @MBuhari regime even though the @OfficialDSSNG would smuggle me in and out of the court using the judge’s elevator bank.
The NBA’s selective outrage is troubling.
Where was this energy when the 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 and trampled on the rights of citizens?
Instead, we now see an attempt to distort facts and shield misconduct a by a senior member of the bar, Musbau Akinlami, SAN who acted recklessly with impunity.
It is also important to note that court records will show that my case was indeed before the court, with both the police counsel and my lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, present.
After proceedings, the judge reaffirmed his decision striking out the case and ordered the release of my international passport, which had been unjustly seized.
The attempt by some lawyers, including Senior Advocate Musbau, to intimidate and harass us in court, issuing threats, attempting to destroy equipment, and even calling the police, only underscores the growing culture of impunity. The police themselves found no wrongdoing but I understand that even Musbau. SAN didn’t bargain for what this teachable moment presented at the end of the encounter. So, no surprises here about this.
The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and amplifying misleading narratives against victims of those abuses.
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.
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