The reaction follows criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association, which condemned his conduct after a confrontation inside the courtroom
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has denied claims that he staged a press conference at the Federal High Court in Abuja, stating that he only responded to questions from journalists during a routine visit to the court.
The reaction follows criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association, which condemned his conduct after a confrontation inside the courtroom.
A viral video captured Sowore in an exchange with Musibau Adetunbi while attempting to address journalists within the court premises.
The NBA had said it viewed the incident “with grave concern”, stressing that courtrooms are meant for the orderly administration of justice and not for public performances.
In his response, Sowore described the claim that he held a press conference on a day his case was not listed as “incorrect”.
He explained that he was at the court to obtain a certified true copy of a ruling that struck out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025 by Kayode Egbetokun.
According to him, the court registrar informed him that the presiding judge declined to sign the order due to pending motions filed by the Nigeria Police Force, including an application to relist the case and another seeking its withdrawal.
“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.
Sowore added that while waiting, journalists approached him for comments, which he granted, insisting that it did not amount to a press conference.
“I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years,” he said.
He described the NBA’s reaction as “selective outrage”, questioning its silence during past incidents involving security agencies.
“Where was this energy when operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge?” he asked.
Sowore also accused Adetunbi of intimidation and harassment during the confrontation.
He maintained that court records would confirm his case was before the court, with legal representatives present, and added that the judge reaffirmed the earlier ruling striking out the charge and ordered the release of his passport.
“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,” he added.
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