Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has barred all parties involved in the suit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and three others from granting press interviews or streaming court proceedings on social media.
The order was issued on Friday following a complaint by Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who alleged that Natasha had been making media appearances on various television platforms, including BBC and CNN, discussing the case while it was still pending in court.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nyako directed that no party or their legal representatives should engage in media discussions about the case, emphasizing that the matter was sub judice.
At the hearing, Natasha’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN), informed the court that the case was being heard for the first time after being transferred from Justice Obiora Egwuatu. He urged the court to consolidate all pending applications with the substantive suit for an expedited hearing, citing the limited duration of his client’s suspension.
While the counsel representing the Clerk of the National Assembly, Charles Iyoila, and the Senate’s lawyer, Paul Daudu, did not oppose the application, Ogunwumiju and Umeh Kalu (SAN), representing Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, objected.
Justice Nyako ruled in favor of Okutepa, stating that all pending applications, including preliminary objections, would be heard alongside the main suit. She then adjourned the matter till May 12 for a hearing.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging her six-month suspension by the Senate over alleged misconduct, arguing that she was denied a fair hearing before the decision was taken.
