Court Gags Akpabio, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Media Talks on Suspension Case
A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Senate President Godswill Akpabio and suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from speaking to the media regarding the ongoing lawsuit challenging her six-month suspension from the Senate.
Justice Binta Nyako issued the gag order on Friday, warning both parties and their lawyers against granting interviews or making public statements on the matter. She also banned live-streaming of the court proceedings on social media.
The directive followed a complaint by Akpabio’s counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of repeatedly discussing the case on television, describing it as a breach of court decorum.
The suit was originally before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who stepped down after Akpabio accused him of bias. Egwuatu had earlier halted the Senate’s disciplinary process against Akpoti-Uduaghan pending the case’s resolution, but the Senate still proceeded to suspend her.
Justice Nyako has adjourned the case to May 12 for continued hearing. The legal battle raises questions over the separation of powers and whether courts can intervene in internal legislative actions.
