The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a gag order restraining Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and others involved in an ongoing legal battle from granting media interviews or making public comments about the case.
Justice Binta Nyako gave the directive on Friday during a hearing on the suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan to stop the Senate from instituting disciplinary proceedings against her
This follows complaints by Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan granting interviews to media outlets such as BBC, CNN and other news organisations.
He argued that the interviews were prejudicial to the course of justice.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa countered Ogunwumiju’s point, pointing out that a senator from the South East had also appeared on TV and discussed the case.
He insisted that the court’s order should apply to all parties, including any member of the Senate, stressing the need for decorum.
In a firm warning to all parties and legal representatives, Justice Nyako stated, “There should be no press interview by all parties and counsel as regards the subject matter of this case; no streaming or social media post as regards this case. There should be no TV interviews regarding this. There should be total media blockage.”
The court adjourned the matter to May 12, 2025 for hearing.
The case was previously handled by Justice Obiora Egwuatu but was reassigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, following Egwuatu’s decision to step down.
Egwuatu’s withdrawal came after Akpabio raised concerns about possible bias.
