How Nigerian Bar Association Reacted To Sowore’s Conduct In Court

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reacted to the conduct of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday.

Sowore, former presidential candidate was involved in a confrontation with a lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Musibau Adetunbi, following the activist’s attempt to address journalists there.

Adetunbi did not take kindly to this, leading to an exchange between the two.

Sowore was particularly heard stating he would refuse to be intimidated by the senior lawyer.

“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 its reaction to the exchange however, the Nigerian Bar Association, said it viewed with grave concern Sowore’s reaction at the court.

The NBA’s reaction was through its president, Afam Osigwe, who has cautioned that the right to speak in court should be exercised with restraint.

READ ALSO: Names Of Senior Advocates Of Nigeria (SAN)

READ ALSO: Sowore Spearheads #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Campaign For October 20

“It is against this background that the Nigerian Bar Association views with grave concern the incident involving Mr Omoyele Sowore

“Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law”, the statement said.

Taking exceptions to the manner in which Sowore set up cameras in a manner like wanting to address a press conference, it said it created tension in the court room

The association noted that the development led to tension in the courtroom and a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.

“We also call on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners,” the statement added.