From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has barred all parties in the ongoing legal dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from speaking to the media or making public comments regarding the case.
Justice Binta Nyako, who is now presiding over the matter, issued the gag order on Friday following complaints by Akpabio’s counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who drew the court’s attention to a series of media interviews granted by Akpoti-Uduaghan concerning the litigation.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nyako directed that, “All parties and their lawyers are hereby restrained from granting any press interviews related to the subject matter of this suit.” She also prohibited the streaming of proceedings on social media, placing a tight lid on public commentary as the court considers the substance of the suit.
Tensions flared during Senate plenary on February 20 when a dispute over seating arrangements triggered a confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. The Kogi Central Senator, who was visibly displeased over the relocation of her seat, later accused Akpabio of long-standing sexual harassment, alleging his hostility toward her stemmed from her refusal to entertain his advances.
Shortly afterward, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months following a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of misconduct and violation of Senate rules.
She subsequently approached the court to stop the committee from initiating or continuing disciplinary proceedings against her. Justice Obiora Egwuatu initially granted an interim order halting the process on March 4, but later vacated the order on March 19 after Akpabio’s legal team questioned the court’s jurisdiction over legislative affairs.
Justice Egwuatu later recused himself from the case on March 25 after Akpabio raised concerns over his neutrality. The matter has since been reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
The case continues.
