Court Gags Parties in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vs Akpabio Case
A Federal High Court in Abuja has placed a media gag order on all parties involved in the high-profile legal battle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, along with three others.
Justice Binta Nyako, who is now presiding over the case, issued the directive on Friday after a complaint from Akpabio’s legal counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju. The lawyer raised concerns about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent appearances on various television platforms, where she allegedly discussed aspects of the ongoing suit.
In her brief ruling, Justice Nyako ordered that both parties and their legal teams must refrain from granting press interviews or making public comments related to the case. She further prohibited the live streaming or sharing of court proceedings on social media platforms.
The legal clash stems from a suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan seeking to halt disciplinary proceedings initiated against her by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
On March 4, a Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, granted an interim order restraining the Senate from taking any punitive actions against the Kogi senator. The court gave the defendants 72 hours to justify why a permanent injunction should not be issued.
However, just two days later, the Senate proceeded to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing allegations of gross misconduct. This followed the adoption of a report from the ethics committee.
