Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has recounted a tense confrontation with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) inside a courtroom, an incident that has since gone viral on social media.
The altercation reportedly occurred while Sowore was granting a press interview within the court premises as he awaited the arrival of the presiding judge for a scheduled hearing.
According to Sowore, a lawyer who identified himself as a SAN challenged him and the journalists present, questioning the legality of conducting media interviews inside the courtroom. The lawyer reportedly insisted that such actions were against court rules and ordered them to vacate the chamber.
However, Sowore resisted the directive, demanding that the senior lawyer cite the specific provision of the law that prohibits speaking to the press before court proceedings officially begin.
The situation quickly escalated into a heated exchange, with both parties arguing over courtroom conduct and legal boundaries. Eyewitness accounts in the viral video suggest that the confrontation eventually subsided after the lawyer was unable to substantiate his claims.
Sowore also criticised the lawyer’s actions, accusing him of selective enforcement of rules. He questioned why the same lawyer did not intervene when officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly attempted to restrict his access to the court earlier.
He further described the incident as an example of conduct that undermines the integrity of the judiciary, alleging that such actions contribute to negative perceptions of the legal system.
“A Senior Advocate of Nigeria tried to bully us in court today while we awaited a judge and addressed the media. It was unbelievable. I don’t think he bargained for the resistance he got,” Sowore said.
The incident has sparked debate online, with many Nigerians weighing in on issues of courtroom decorum, freedom of expression, and the conduct of legal practitioners.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the SAN involved had not been officially confirmed, and no formal statement has been issued by the relevant judicial authorities regarding the incident….See More
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