Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has strongly refuted allegations by the Nigerian Bar Association that he staged a press conference inside a courtroom, calling the claims “misleading” and a threat to democracy in Nigeria
NBA president Afam Osigwe had cautioned on Wednesday that courtrooms should not be used as platforms for media briefings, reacting to Sowore’s appearance in court on Tuesday.
Responding via his verified X account, Sowore said, “I have read the statement issued by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, and I must say this is yet another sad day for democracy in Nigeria. While I understand that the NBA may feel compelled to defend one of its own, such defense must not be built on falsehoods. The truth matters, especially from an institution that claims to uphold fairness, justice and the rule of law.”
He denied the NBA’s assertion that he held a press conference. “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. 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 in January 2025 by the then illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun,” he stated.
Sowore explained that upon arrival, the court registrar informed him that the judge had declined to sign the order because the police had secretly filed an ex parte motion to relist the case, followed by another motion to withdraw it. “We were told that Justice M.S. Liman would only sign the ruling after addressing those motions. We protested this irregularity and were asked to wait for the judge to resume sitting,” he said.
While waiting, Sowore said media personnel present in the Federal High Court approached him for comments, which he provided. “I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years, including during my 2019 treason trial under the @MBuhari regime,” he noted, adding that journalists are a normal part of courtroom proceedings.
Sowore accused the NBA of “selective outrage,” pointing out its silence on previous violations of court orders. “Where was this energy when DSS operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge? Where was the defense of the sanctity of the court when state actors repeatedly violated court orders and trampled on the rights of citizens?” he questioned.
He also criticised Senior Advocate Musbau Akinlami for attempting to intimidate him in court. “The attempt by some lawyers, including Senior Advocate Musbau, to intimidate and harass us in court, issuing threats, attempting to destroy equipment, and even calling the police, only underscores the growing culture of impunity,” Sowore said.
Sowore further clarified that court records show both his lawyer and the police counsel were present. “After proceedings, the judge reaffirmed the decision striking out the case and ordered the release of my international passport, which had been unjustly seized. The police themselves found no wrongdoing, yet some lawyers tried to distort facts and shield misconduct,” he stated.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
