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Accuses Association of Selective Outrage over Confrontation with SAN
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Announces Release of International Passport
- Safiu Kehinde
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has fired back at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), accusing the association of selective outrage over his confrontation with a Senior Advocate of Nigerian (SAN).
NPO Reported that drama had yesterday ensued between Sowore and a senior lawyer, Musbau Akinlami (SAN), after the latter challenged the activist for holding a press conference within the Federal High Court room in Abuja.
Sowore had in a now viral video slammed the senior lawyer with clash subsequently erupting within the courtroom as Akinlami ordered the newsmen and the activists out of the chamber.
Reacting to the development, the NBA, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Afam Osigwe, condemned the conduct of Sowore, accusing the activist of infringing on the decency and decorum of the courtroom.
Osiwgwe said the conduct of Sowore, whose case was not listed for hearing to have warranted his presence in the court yesterday, is unacceptable and inconsistent with the judicial proceedings’ discipline.
Responding in a statement issued on his X handle, the activist expressed his disappointment with the NBA, alleging that it was compelled to defend the senior lawyer.
Sowore accused the NBA od selective outrage as he recalled the association’s inaction when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the court’s premises to arrest him in 2019.
“The NBA’s selective outrage is troubling. 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?
“Instead, we now see an attempt to distort facts and shield misconduct a by a senior member of the bar, Musbau Akinlami, SAN who acted recklessly with impunity.” He said.
The activist further accused NBA of amplifying misleading narratives against victims abused by state actors.
“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. If the NBA truly seeks to protect the integrity of the legal profession and the courts, it must begin with honesty, consistency, and courage, not selective outrage.
“Indeed, this is another sad day for democracy in Nigeria.” He said.
Whipe denying holding Press Conference in the court room, Sowore also debunked the claim of being at the court without having case listed for hearing for the day.
He explained that he had appeared at the court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out the cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025 by the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“The truth matters especially from an institution that claims to uphold fairness, justice and the rule of law.
“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 said.
Sowore further disclosed how the Police had allegedly attempted to file an ex parte motion to relist the case.
“Upon arrival, the court registrar informed me that the judge had declined to sign the order because the Police had secretly filed an ex parte motion to relist the case, and then curiously filed another motion to withdraw that same ex parte application.
“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.
The activist thereafter explained he presence of the media at the court room.
While reiterating that he never organised a Press Conference, Sowore explained that the media personnel attached to the court were the ones who approached him.
He held that he was only reacting to the questions fielded by the jourmalists just as he had always done in court.
“While waiting, media personnel attached to the Federal High Court approached me as they routinely do and requested comments. I obliged. This is standard practice.
“These journalists are part of the court environment; they interact freely with lawyers, litigants, and observers. Even Mr. Afam Osigwe (SAN) himself witnessed a courtroom filled with media during my first day of trial. I did not organize any press conference.
“I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years, including during my 2019 treason trial under the Muhammadu Buhari regime even though the DSS would smuggle me in and out of the court using the judge’s elevator bank.” He said.
While reitrating that his case is still in court, Sowore announced the release of his international passport following the court’s strike out of the charges against him.
“It is also important to note that court records will show that my case was indeed before the court, with both the police counsel and my lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, present.
“After proceedings, the judge reaffirmed his decision striking out the case and ordered the release of my international passport, which had been unjustly seized.” He said.
Sowore would then reiterate his intimidation allegation agaunst Musbau whicj he labelled a growing culture of imupnity.
“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.
“The police themselves found no wrongdoing but I understand that even Musbau. SAN didn’t bargain for what this teachable moment presented at the end of the encounter. So, no surprises here about this.” He said.