March 25, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Bar Association has cautioned activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, against actions capable of undermining the sanctity of the judiciary, warning that courtrooms must not be turned into platforms for media engagement.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, stressed that “courtrooms are not platforms for publicity or political theatrics”, adding that any attempt to use such spaces for media shows constitutes a violation of established courtroom decorum.
The association said Sowore “entered the courtroom with a number of individuals carrying cameras and recording equipment”, suggesting preparations for a press briefing within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
It further noted that “he moved into the inner bar, sat on a courtroom table, and addressed a range of national issues”, despite not having any case listed for hearing and without being accompanied by legal counsel.
According to the NBA, the incident “led to tension within the courtroom” and triggered a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.
Reiterating its position, the association emphasised that “courtrooms are solemn venues dedicated to the administration of justice”, warning that “any behaviour that undermines the dignity of the court, disrupts proceedings, or intimidates legal practitioners constitutes a serious affront to the rule of law.”
While acknowledging that citizens have the right to observe court proceedings, the NBA maintained that “such right must be exercised responsibly and with due regard to courtroom decorum.”
The body called on court authorities to ensure that “courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice”, free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners.
It reaffirmed its commitment to “upholding the dignity of the legal profession and protecting the integrity of judicial proceedings” across Nigeria.
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