Reported by: L. Imafidon | Edited by: Jevaun Rhashan
Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has publicly criticised the Nigerian Bar Association, accusing the legal body of spreading misleading information and failing to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in its response to recent events at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a detailed statement released on social media, Sowore described the NBA’s position as “a sad day for democracy,” arguing that the association’s defence of one of its senior members was based on inaccurate claims. The dispute centres on allegations by the NBA that Sowore staged a press conference within court premises on a day when his case was not scheduled for hearing.
Rejecting the claim, Sowore stated that he was present at the Federal High Court to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling that had earlier struck out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025. He maintained that his presence in court was legitimate and directly related to ongoing legal processes.
According to Sowore, court officials informed him that the presiding judge, Justice M.S. Liman, had temporarily withheld signing the order due to procedural developments involving motions filed by the Nigeria Police Force. He alleged that the police had initially submitted an ex parte motion to relist the case and subsequently filed another motion to withdraw it, creating what he described as procedural irregularities.
Sowore said he and his legal team were asked to wait for the judge to address the motions before finalising the ruling. During this waiting period, he explained that journalists present within the court premises approached him for comments, as is common practice in high-profile cases.
He insisted that he did not organise any press conference but merely responded to questions from reporters, noting that such interactions are routine within court environments. Sowore also referenced previous instances, including his 2019 treason trial, where he engaged with the media under similar circumstances.
The activist further criticised the NBA for what he described as selective outrage, questioning why the association had not taken a stronger stance in past incidents involving alleged violations of court processes by security agencies. He specifically referenced an earlier episode in which operatives of the Department of State Services reportedly entered a courtroom during proceedings involving him.
Sowore also raised concerns about the conduct of a senior lawyer, alleging that attempts were made to intimidate him and disrupt activities within the court premises. He claimed that threats were issued, equipment was targeted, and police were called, although he said no wrongdoing was ultimately established.
In his statement, Sowore argued that the NBA’s position risks undermining public confidence in the legal profession. He called on the association to prioritise accuracy, consistency, and accountability in its public communications, particularly when addressing matters involving fundamental rights and judicial integrity.
Stone Reporters note that the exchange highlights ongoing tensions between activists, legal institutions, and state actors in Nigeria, particularly around issues of free expression, judicial processes, and the conduct of security agencies. The case also reflects broader concerns about how legal disputes are communicated to the public and the role of professional bodies in shaping narratives around sensitive judicial matters.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Bar Association has not issued a further response to Sowore’s latest claims. The situation continues to draw attention within legal and civil society circles, with observers calling for clarity and adherence to due process from all parties involved.
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