Sowore slams NBA for selective outrage after courtroom clash with SAN
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Presidential candidate of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has described the Nigerian Bar Association’s criticism of his conduct at the Federal High Court in Abuja as “yet another sad day for democracy in Nigeria.”
In a statement posted on his X handle and addressed to the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Sowore accused the association of defending one of its own based on falsehoods rather than facts, while claiming to uphold fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
Sowore clarified that he was at the court on Tuesday to obtain a Certified True Copy of a ruling striking out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025 by the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
According to him, the court registrar informed him that Justice M.S. Liman had declined to sign the order due to an ex parte motion filed and later withdrawn by the police. While waiting for the judge to resume sitting, journalists attached to the court approached him for comments, which he granted.
“I did not organize any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years,” Sowore stated.
He noted that court records would confirm his case was before the court, with both police counsel and his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, present. After proceedings, the judge reportedly reaffirmed the striking out of the case and ordered the release of Sowore’s international passport.
Sowore criticised the NBA for what he called “selective outrage,” questioning the association’s silence when DSS operatives allegedly abducted him from a courtroom in the past and when state actors repeatedly violated court orders.
He also accused a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musbau Akinlami, of acting recklessly by attempting to intimidate and harass him and his team, issuing threats, and trying to destroy equipment.
“The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and amplifying misleading narratives against victims of those abuses. This is not just disappointing, it is dangerous,” Sowore said.
He urged the NBA to demonstrate honesty, consistency, and courage in protecting the integrity of the legal profession instead of engaging in selective outrage.
The NBA had earlier condemned Sowore for allegedly turning the courtroom into a stage for a press conference and advocacy theatrics, stressing that courtrooms must be guided by order, discipline, and respect for judicial authority.
