The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained all parties involved in the lawsuit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and three others from granting press interviews or discussing the case on social media.
Justice Binta Nyako issued the order on Friday following a complaint by Akpabio’s counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been granting media interviews on the matter, including appearances on BBC and CNN. The judge ruled that no party or their legal representatives should make public comments about the case while it remains before the court.
In addition, Justice Nyako barred any form of live streaming or social media discussions regarding the court proceedings. She emphasized that the case is sub judice and should be handled strictly within legal confines.
During the proceedings, Jibril Okutepa (SAN), counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, urged the court to expedite the hearing process, citing the time-sensitive nature of his client’s six-month suspension. He requested a consolidated hearing of all pending applications alongside the main suit.
While some defense counsels, including representatives of the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Senate, did not oppose the request, Ogunwumiju and Umeh Kalu (SAN), counsel to Senator Neda Imasuem, objected. However, Justice Nyako ruled in favor of Okutepa and scheduled a full hearing of the case, including preliminary objections, for May 12.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging the legality of her suspension, arguing that the Senate violated her right to a fair hearing before imposing the penalty. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for legislative accountability and procedural fairness within the Senate.
