A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered all parties involved in the case filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and three others to stop granting media interviews about the case.
The ruling was given on Friday by Justice Binta Nyako after Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), complained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been speaking about the case on various television stations, even though the matter is still in court.
In her ruling, Justice Nyako directed that none of the parties or their lawyers should give press interviews about the case. She also banned them from streaming the court proceedings on social media.
The case had recently been reassigned to Justice Nyako by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. It was earlier handled by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
According to Naija News, the hearing continued on Friday before Justice Nyako.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, filed the suit to challenge the Senate’s investigation of her alleged misconduct. She wants the court to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from continuing disciplinary actions against her for her behavior during a plenary session on February 20, 2025.
Justice Egwuatu had earlier withdrawn from the case on March 25, 2025, after Senate President Akpabio, listed as the 3rd defendant, raised concerns about possible bias. In his statement, Justice Egwuatu explained that a litigant’s doubt about a judge’s impartiality could affect justice and so he stepped down.
Following that, the case is now being handled by Justice Binta Nyako.
