April 4, 2025
An Abuja Federal High Court, has prohibited the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from granting press interviews regarding the legal action pending before the court.
Justice Binta Nyako issued the order on Friday during the resumed hearing of the suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenging her six-month suspension by the Akpabio-led Senate.
The case was reassigned to Justice Nyako after the previous judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, recused himself and on March 25, returned the case-file following allegations of bias from Akpabio.
During Friday’s hearing, Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, complained that the plaintiff, Akpoti-Uduaghan, had appeared on television multiple times, discussing the pending case. Ogunwumiju argued that these actions were not only sub judice but also an affront to the court’s authority.
READ MORE; Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Arrives Kogi In Helicopter For Homecoming Rally
In her ruling, Justice Nyako directed all parties and their legal representatives to refrain from granting interviews or making public statements related to the case. She also prohibited the streaming of court proceedings on any social media platform.
The case was adjourned to May 12 for further hearing.
Justice Egwuatu, had on March 4, issued an interim order halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from continuing the disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The committee had initiated the proceedings after allegations that she had violated the rules of the legislative house.
Justice Egwuatu’s order mandated that the disciplinary process be paused until the suit brought by Akpoti-Uduaghan was resolved and also gave the defendants 72 hours to justify why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued to prevent them from probing the lawmaker for alleged misconduct.
READ MORE; Akpoti-Uduaghan Suit: Court Orders Akpabio, Others To File Defence.
The court allowed Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the Originating Summons and related documents through substituted means, such as handing them to the Clerk of the National Assembly or pasting them at the National Assembly premises, with publication in two national newspapers.
The Senate Committee defied the court’s interim order, proceeded with its proceedings and ultimately suspended senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.
In a later ruling, Justice Egwuatu amended his earlier order, lifting the aspect that had prevented the Senate from continuing its activities while the suit was pending.
Unhappy with the court interference, the Senate President had since questioned the court’s authority to intervene in the internal affairs of the hallowed chamber.
