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By John Ogunsemore
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore for holding a media briefing in court, saying his action violated the sanctity of the courtroom.
A mild drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday as Sowore clashed with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Musibau Adetunbi, over an attempt to address journalists inside the courtroom.
A video of the incident trended on social media, provoking a debate on the propriety of holding media briefings in a courtroom.
In a Wednesday statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe SAN, the NBA said the use of a courtroom as a venue for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.
The statement reads, “Courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public not as arenas for performance, but as sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice.
“Their openness promotes transparency and public confidence, yet it also imposes a duty of restraint on all who enter.
“Access to the courtroom is therefore a right exercised within boundaries of decorum, discipline, and respect for judicial authority.
“The courtroom exists solely for adjudication, and its openness cannot be stretched to permit activities unrelated to that purpose.”
The body said it viewed Sowore’s conduct with grave concern.
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It added, “Mr. Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by a number of individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment. He proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself. Members of his team attended to him, fanning his face and tidying his appearance in a manner akin to a broadcast setting.
“He subsequently moved into the inner bar, sat on one of the tables, and, as cameras were directed at him, began addressing what he described as “a range of national issues.”
“Notably, Mr. Sowore’s case was not listed for hearing, and he was not accompanied by any legal practitioner during this episode.
“The development led to tension within the courtroom and a confrontation with learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum.”
The NBA reiterated that courtrooms are solemn spaces dedicated to the administration of justice, maintaining that any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law.
“While every Nigerian, including Mr. Sowore, is entitled to attend and observe court proceedings, such right must be exercised responsibly and with due regard to courtroom decorum.
“Public access to the courts does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings or actions capable of undermining the dignity and authority of the court, whether or not the court is in session.
“The NBA therefore condemns Mr. Sowore’s disruption of the courtroom environment and expresses solidarity with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, and all lawyers who insisted on maintaining 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 in the discharge of their professional duties.
“The NBA will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings. The courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access, not spectacle, confrontation, or disorder,” the statement further reads.
