A former judge of the Federal High Court, Taiwo Taiwo, has strongly defended the sanctity of court premises, declaring that courtrooms are “sacrosanct” and designated strictly for the dispensation of justice.
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Taiwo made the remarks in reaction to the controversy that erupted at the Federal High Court in Abuja involving activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who attempted to address journalists inside the courtroom.
The incident, which occurred after court proceedings, led to a heated confrontation between Sowore and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who objected to the use of the courtroom for a press interaction. Sowore had insisted that no law prohibited him from speaking to journalists within the court premises, a position that drew widespread reactions.
Reacting, Taiwo emphasised that public buildings, including courts, are created for specific purposes and must be used strictly within those limits.
“Court premises are sacrosanct and meant only for the administration of justice. You cannot hold a press conference inside a police station, a state house, a military barracks, or offices of security agencies as a citizen. The same applies to courtrooms,” he stated.
The retired judge stressed that such actions undermine the dignity and authority of the judiciary, warning against any conduct capable of turning courtrooms into arenas for publicity or confrontation.
He further explained that judges, by tradition and constitutional role, communicate only through their rulings and judgments, not through public engagements or media briefings.
Taiwo also cautioned against what he described as a growing tendency to overstretch the interpretation of fundamental human rights, noting that such excesses could erode public confidence in the justice system.
His position aligns with that of the Nigerian Bar Association, which had earlier condemned Sowore’s conduct, describing it as a grave affront to the rule of law and an abuse of courtroom decorum.
The NBA, through its President, Afam Osigwe, maintained that courtrooms are solemn spaces meant solely for adjudication and not platforms for press briefings, advocacy theatrics, or public spectacle.
The association also backed the SAN who challenged Sowore during the incident, insisting that public access to courtrooms does not extend to activities that undermine judicial authority.
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