Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was involved in a heated confrontation at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after a lawyer allegedly described him as a tout.
The incident occurred before proceedings in Sowore’s ongoing case involving allegations of cybercrime and his social media comments about President Bola Tinubu. The confrontation reportedly began after the lawyer, identified in media reports only as Yakubu, allegedly made the remark about the activist.
According to a report by P.M. News, the comment provoked an angry reaction from Sowore’s supporters, leading to a shouting match at the court premises. Some supporters reportedly threatened to teach the lawyer a lesson after the hearing.
The incident attracted attention online, with videos and comments circulating on social media. Nigerians expressed different views about the confrontation and the language reportedly used by both sides.
Some social media users criticised Sowore, arguing that the activist has frequently used strong language against public figures and should be prepared to receive criticism in return. Others questioned the appropriateness of the lawyer’s alleged remark and called for respectful conduct within the court environment.
The lawyer’s full identity and his account of the incident were not provided in the report. It was also unclear whether the court took any formal action over the exchange.
The latest confrontation comes amid previous disagreements involving Sowore and legal practitioners at the Abuja court.
In March 2026, Sowore had a heated exchange with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, after the lawyer challenged him for speaking with journalists inside a courtroom. Adetunbi argued that courtrooms should not be used for press briefings, while Sowore accused him of attempting to intimidate him.
The Nigerian Bar Association subsequently called for respect for courtroom order and the dignity of judicial proceedings. Sowore rejected the association’s position, arguing that its response was selective.
Sowore, a journalist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, is known for his political activism and criticism of successive Nigerian governments. His activities and public statements have repeatedly generated debate about freedom of expression, political accountability and responsible public conduct.
The latest incident has renewed discussion about the need for restraint and mutual respect among activists, lawyers and members of the public, particularly within court premises.
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