By Peter Omopo
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has denied allegations by the Nigerian Bar Association that he staged a press conference at the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting he merely responded to questions from journalists.
The NBA, in a statement signed by its President Afam Osigwe, had criticised Sowore’s conduct, describing it as disruptive and inconsistent with courtroom decorum after he was seen addressing journalists within the court premises.
Reacting, Sowore dismissed the claim as false, stating that he was at the court to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling which struck out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025.
According to him, the case was not listed for hearing, and he did not organise any press briefing.
Sowore explained that upon arrival, the court registrar informed him that the presiding judge, Justice M.S. Liman, had declined to sign the order pending the resolution of motions filed by the police, including an application to relist the case.
He said he was asked to wait within the court premises, during which journalists approached him for comments.
“I did not organise any press conference. I only responded to questions, as I have always done,” he stated.
Sowore described the NBA’s position as a misrepresentation of events and criticised what he called selective outrage by the association.
He questioned the NBA’s silence during past incidents, including when operatives of the Department of State Services allegedly invaded a courtroom during his 2019 trial.
The activist also alleged that some lawyers attempted to intimidate him during the incident, accusing them of harassment and attempts to disrupt his interaction with journalists.
He maintained that court records would confirm that his matter was before the court and that both his legal team and police representatives were present.
Sowore further stated that the judge reaffirmed the decision striking out the case and ordered the release of his international passport.
The controversy follows an incident on March 24 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Sowore’s interaction with journalists reportedly led to tension, including a confrontation with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Musibau Adetunbi, who objected to his actions and called for adherence to courtroom decorum.
The NBA had earlier reiterated that courtrooms should not be used for publicity or advocacy, urging authorities to safeguard the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
