A contemporary confrontation broke out on the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after a lawyer allegedly referred to activist and African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, as a “tout”
The comment reportedly sparked an offended response from Sowore’s supporters.
The incident occurred earlier than the graduation of proceedings in Sowore’s ongoing cybercrime trial over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”.
The lawyer, recognized solely as Yakubu, reportedly made the comment, prompting a heated change between him and Sowore’s supporters on the court premises.
Tensions escalated right into a shouting match, with among the activist’s supporters allegedly threatening to show the lawyer a “lesson” after the listening to.
The confrontation occurred forward of proceedings earlier than Justice Mohammed Umar.
Monday’s incident follows an earlier altercation involving Sowore and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Musibau Adetunbi, on the similar court on March 24, 2026.
During that encounter, Adetunbi challenged Sowore over an interview he granted journalists contained in the courtroom, arguing that the venue was not applicable for press briefings. Sowore rejected the objection and accused the senior lawyer of making an attempt to intimidate him.
The dispute drew a response from the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, which expressed help for Adetunbi and urged respect for courtroom decorum.
Another disagreement occurred on August 3, 2026, throughout Sowore’s trial, when his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, clashed with prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, over allegations that the defence was intentionally delaying the proceedings.
Justice Umar subsequently cautioned each legal professionals over their conduct earlier than adjourning the case.
Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services, DSS, over allegations linked to his social media criticism of President Tinubu.
