Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has responded to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), denying allegations that he staged a press conference at the Federal High Court, Abuja, and insisting that he was only responding to questions from journalists.
The NBA had, in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), condemned Sowore’s conduct, describing it as a disruption of courtroom decorum after he was seen addressing journalists inside the court premises.
The association said his actions undermined the dignity of the court and were inconsistent with acceptable conduct within judicial proceedings.
Responding in a statement, Sowore described the NBA’s position as “another sad day for democracy in Nigeria,” accusing the association of misrepresenting facts surrounding the incident.
He said, “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 explained that he was at the Federal High Court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025.
He described the charge as baseless and linked it to actions by the police.
“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,” he said.
According to him, upon arrival, the court registrar informed him that the presiding judge declined to sign the order due to motions filed by the police, including an ex parte application to relist the case and a subsequent motion to withdraw it.
He said, “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.”
Sowore maintained that while waiting within the court premises, journalists approached him for comments, which he obliged as part of routine media interaction.
“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,” he said.
He added, “I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years.”
Sowore further stated that such interactions with journalists were not new, recalling similar experiences during his 2019 trial.
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He also criticised the NBA for what he described as selective outrage, questioning the association’s silence during past incidents involving alleged violations of court processes.
“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?” he said.
He alleged that some lawyers attempted to intimidate him during the incident, adding that “the attempt by some lawyers… 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.”
Sowore maintained that court records would show that his matter was before the court and that both his counsel and police representatives were present. He added that the judge 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,” he said.
The exchange follows an incident on March 24 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Sowore was seen addressing journalists, leading to tension and a confrontation with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to his conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.
The NBA had described the use of a courtroom as a platform for publicity or advocacy as unacceptable, while also calling on court authorities to protect the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
