Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over allegations that he staged a press conference at the federal high court, Abuja, insisting that he merely responded to journalists’ questions.
The NBA had earlier criticised Sowore’s conduct, describing it as a breach of courtroom decorum and an affront to judicial proceedings.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, Sowore dismissed the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
“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,” he said.
Sowore explained that he was at the court to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling striking out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025, which he described as baseless.
“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,” he stated.
According to him, the court registrar informed him that the presiding judge declined to sign the order due to pending motions filed by the police, prompting him to wait within the court premises.
He maintained that while waiting, journalists approached him for comments, which he obliged as part of routine engagement.
“I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years,” Sowore said.
He further criticised the NBA for what he described as selective outrage, recalling past incidents where security operatives allegedly violated 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 queried.
Sowore also alleged attempts by some lawyers to intimidate him during the incident, noting that such actions reflect a growing culture of impunity within the system.
The controversy follows a March 24 incident at the Abuja court, where Sowore’s interaction with journalists reportedly led to tension and a confrontation with Musibau Adetunbi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria who insisted on maintaining courtroom order.
While the NBA maintained that courtrooms must not be turn66665ed into platforms for publicity, Sowore insisted that his actions were within acceptable limits and consistent with longstanding media practices.
