Human rights activist and former presidential candidate **Omoyele Sowore** has rejected the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) condemnation of his conduct at the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting he did not stage a press conference but was merely responding to questions from journalists.
The NBA, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, **Afam Osigwe (SAN)**, had strongly criticised Sowore for what it described as a disruption of courtroom decorum. The association accused him of entering the courtroom with individuals carrying cameras and recording equipment, appearing to prepare for a media briefing, and then addressing national issues while seated on a table in the inner bar, even though his case was not listed for hearing that day.
The NBA described the action as “unacceptable” and inconsistent with the dignity and discipline required in judicial proceedings, warning that courtrooms must not be converted into platforms for publicity or theatrics.
In a swift response, Sowore described the NBA’s position as “another sad day for democracy in Nigeria,” accusing the association of misrepresenting the facts.
“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,” Sowore said in a statement.
He explained that he was at the Federal High Court solely to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out a “baseless” cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025.
According to Sowore, the court registrar informed him that Justice M.S. Liman would not sign the order until certain motions filed by the police — including an ex parte application to relist the case and a subsequent motion to withdraw it — were addressed.
“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,” he stated.
While waiting within the court premises, Sowore said journalists attached to the Federal High Court approached him for comments, which he obliged as a routine media interaction.
“I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years,” he maintained.
Sowore recalled that similar interactions occurred during his 2019 trial and criticised the NBA for what he termed “selective outrage.”
“Where was this energy when the DSS operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge?” he asked.
He also alleged that some lawyers attempted to intimidate him and his team during the incident by issuing threats, attempting to destroy equipment, and calling the police.
Sowore insisted that court records would confirm his matter was before the court, with both his counsel and police representatives present. He added that the judge later reaffirmed the decision striking out the case and ordered the release of his international passport.
“The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and amplifying misleading narratives,” Sowore declared.
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