In a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association expressed “grave concern” over an incident that occurred on March 24, 2026, at the Federal High Court Abuja.
According to the NBA, Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by individuals carrying recording devices and appeared to stage what resembled a press conference. He was said to have been attended to by aides in a manner similar to a broadcast setup before proceeding to address “a range of national issues” from within the courtroom.
The association noted that Sowore’s case was not scheduled for hearing on the day and that he was not accompanied by legal counsel. His actions reportedly caused tension in the courtroom and led to a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to the conduct and called for adherence to courtroom decorum.
The NBA stressed that while courtrooms are open to the public to promote transparency, such access must be exercised within the bounds of discipline and respect for judicial authority. It emphasized that court premises are strictly for the administration of justice and not venues for advocacy displays or media engagements.
Describing the incident as a “grave affront to the rule of law,” the association warned that any act capable of undermining the dignity of the court or intimidating legal practitioners is unacceptable.
The NBA further expressed solidarity with Adetunbi and other lawyers present during the incident, commending their insistence on maintaining order. It also called on court authorities to safeguard judicial environments from disruptions and ensure they remain spaces for orderly proceedings.
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal profession, the NBA maintained that courtrooms must remain places of respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access, devoid of spectacle or confrontation.
