Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has responded to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), denying claims that he staged a press conference at the Federal High Court, Abuja, and insisting that he was merely responding to questions from journalists.

The NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), had condemned Sowore’s conduct, describing it as a disruption of courtroom decorum and an action inconsistent with acceptable behaviour during judicial proceedings.

Sowore, in his response, described the NBA’s position as “another sad day for democracy in Nigeria” and accused the association of misrepresenting the facts. He explained that he was at the court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out a cybercrime charge filed against him in January 2025, which he described as baseless and linked to police actions.

According to Sowore, the court registrar informed him that the presiding judge, Justice M.S. Liman, would not sign the order immediately due to motions filed by the police, including an ex parte application to relist the case. While waiting, journalists approached him for comments, which he provided as part of a routine media interaction.

“I did not organise any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years,” Sowore stated.

He also criticised the NBA for selective outrage, questioning why the association remained silent during previous incidents involving alleged violations of court processes by security operatives. Sowore added that some lawyers attempted to intimidate him during the incident, describing threats and harassment within the courtroom.

Court records, he maintained, would show that his matter was properly before the court, with his counsel and police representatives present, and that the judge reaffirmed the decision striking out the case and ordered the release of his international passport.

The dispute follows an incident on March 24 at the Federal High Court, where Sowore’s interaction with journalists drew objections from Senior Advocate of Nigeria Musibau Adetunbi, prompting the NBA’s statement calling for the protection of courtroom decorum.