ABUJA, Nigeria — Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and its president, Afam Osigwe, of spreading falsehoods and undermining democratic principles following a fallout over his recent court appearance.
In a strongly worded response on Wednesday, Sowore described the NBA’s statement as “a sad day for democracy,” rejecting claims that he staged a press conference at the Federal High Court on a day his case was not scheduled.
Sowore clarified 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 former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. According to him, the court registrar informed him that the presiding judge, Justice M.S. Liman, had delayed signing the order due to pending motions allegedly filed by the police, including an ex parte application to relist the case and another to withdraw it.
While waiting for the judge to resume proceedings, Sowore said court reporters approached him for comments, which he granted, insisting this did not amount to organizing a press conference.
“The journalists are part of the court environment and routinely engage lawyers and litigants,” he said, adding that similar interactions occurred during his 2019 trial under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The activist also criticized what he described as the NBA’s “selective outrage,” questioning its silence during past incidents, including an alleged courtroom invasion by operatives of the Department of State Services. He argued that the association has failed to consistently defend the rule of law in the face of alleged abuses by state actors.
Sowore further alleged misconduct by a senior lawyer, Musbau Akinlami, accusing him of intimidation, harassment, and attempts to disrupt proceedings during the court session. He claimed that police present at the scene found no wrongdoing on his part.
Court proceedings later reaffirmed the earlier ruling striking out the case, Sowore added, noting that the judge also ordered the release of his international passport, which he said had been unjustly seized.
He warned that the NBA risks eroding public trust if it continues to “amplify misleading narratives” while ignoring alleged misconduct by influential figures within the legal profession.
“The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors,” Sowore said, calling for “honesty, consistency, and courage” in upholding justice.
The NBA has yet to respond publicly to Sowore’s latest claims.
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