The Federal High Court witnessed a heated exchange between activist Omoyele Sowore and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) over Sowore's attempt to address journalists inside the courtroom. The incident, which has been captured in a video, shows the SAN confronting Sowore and members of the press, insisting that the courtroom is not an appropriate venue for a press conference.
The SAN, who has practised law for nearly three decades, argued that such conduct is against long-standing legal practice. He cited provisions of the Federal High Court regulations, stating that the courtroom must remain a place strictly for judicial proceedings. The lawyer urged journalists to relocate any media engagement outside the court premises, saying the court must serve as a venue of justice, not a conference.
Sowore, however, disagreed with the SAN's argument, stating that discussing legal matters with the press while awaiting proceedings is within his rights. He maintained that no law expressly prohibits addressing journalists inside the courtroom, and that engaging the media at that moment was a matter of openness and respect.
The Federal High Court's rules may be clear, but the actions of some lawyers are not. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria's attempt to silence Omoyele Sowore and the press raises questions about the limits of power and the right to information. Sowore's insistence on addressing journalists inside the courtroom highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the judicial system. The incident is a reminder that the courtroom is not just a place of justice, but also a space where citizens can demand answers and hold those in power accountable.
