The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a sweeping gag order prohibiting all parties involved in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension case from making any media statements until final judgment is delivered.
Court Directives by Justice Binta Nyako (April 4, 2025):
- Complete media blackout on all parties (Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Senate)
- Ban on social media commentary, interviews, or case analysis
- Applies to legal representatives and affiliated senators
- Effective immediately until case resolution
Case Background:
The legal battle stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension following a February 20 plenary incident. Her lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) challenges the Senate’s disciplinary action and includes explosive allegations of inappropriate conduct by Akpabio during a December 2023 private meeting.
Key Developments During Hearing:
- Justice Obiora Egwuatu previously recused himself over bias allegations
- Senator’s counsel J.S. Okutepa (SAN) highlighted urgency given active suspension
- Akpabio’s lawyer Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) cited prejudicial media interviews
- Court rejected selective application, imposing blanket media restriction
Justice Nyako emphasized judicial integrity, stating: “All parties are to maintain total media silence on the matter until it is concluded.” The case adjourns to May 12 for substantive hearing.
Context:
The suspension has polarized opinions, with critics viewing it as legislative overreach against dissent, while supporters deem it necessary for chamber discipline. The media ban aims to prevent trial by public opinion as courts examine both the suspension’s validity and the misconduct allegations.
