Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed claims by the Nigerian Bar Association that he staged a press conference within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, had criticised Sowore’s actions, describing them as disruptive and inconsistent with courtroom decorum after he was seen speaking to journalists at the court.
Reacting on Wednesday, Sowore insisted that the claim was inaccurate, stating that he merely responded to questions from reporters.
“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.
He explained that his presence at the court was to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling that struck out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025.
“I was at the Federal High Court to collect the Certified True Copy of a ruling striking out a baseless cybercrime charge against me,” Sowore said.
According to him, court officials informed him that the presiding judge, M.S. Liman, had declined to sign the order due to pending applications filed by the police, including a motion to relist the case.
“We were told the judge would address those motions before signing the order. We protested what we considered an irregularity and were asked to wait,” he added.
Sowore maintained that while waiting within the court premises, journalists approached him in the usual course of their duties.
“Media personnel attached to the court approached me and requested comments. I obliged. This is standard practice. I did not organise any press conference,” he said.
He further criticised the NBA for what he described as selective outrage, accusing the association of ignoring more serious incidents involving alleged breaches of judicial processes.
“The NBA’s reaction is troubling. Where was this same concern when DSS operatives invaded a courtroom to arrest me before a sitting judge?” he queried.
Sowore also alleged that some lawyers attempted to intimidate him during the incident.
“There were attempts to harass us, including threats and efforts to damage equipment. This reflects a growing culture of impunity,” he claimed.
He insisted that court records would show that his matter was before the court and that both his legal team and representatives of the police were present.
He added that the court reaffirmed its earlier decision striking out the case and ordered the release of his international passport.
“The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while amplifying misleading narratives and ignoring abuses by powerful actors,” Sowore said.
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 a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who objected to his conduct.
The NBA has maintained that courtrooms must not be used for publicity or advocacy and called on judicial authorities to preserve the sanctity of court proceedings.
