The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the conduct of former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, describing it as a disruption of courtroom decorum.
According to reports from Daily Post, drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja when Sowore clashed with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria while attempting to address journalists inside the courtroom.
A video circulating online showed the lawyer confronting Sowore, insisting that the courtroom was not an appropriate venue for a press briefing.
Sowore, however, disagreed, 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.”
In a statement on Wednesday signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association said courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public to promote transparency and public confidence, but must be conducted with restraint, discipline and respect for judicial authority.
“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore,” the statement said.
The NBA said Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment and “proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself.”
