A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio from making public comments on their ongoing legal dispute. Justice Binta Nyako issued the order following complaints about media appearances. The ruling also prohibits streaming court proceedings on social media.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a gag order preventing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, along with their legal teams, from making public statements regarding their ongoing legal dispute. The directive was issued by Justice Binta Nyako on Friday following concerns raised by Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, who argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been making media appearances discussing the case.
The court also banned the live streaming of proceedings on social media, reinforcing a strict confidentiality rule on the matter. This development is tied to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenge against the Senate’s disciplinary proceedings against her, which had resulted in a six-month suspension.
Initially, Justice Obiora Egwuatu had issued an order barring the Senate from taking action against Akpoti-Uduaghan, but later reversed his decision and recused himself from the case due to allegations of bias. The case was then reassigned to Justice Nyako, who has now imposed the media blackout.
Legal analysts say the court’s decision raises questions about transparency in politically charged legal battles. While supporters of the ruling argue it ensures fairness, critics believe it may limit public scrutiny of the case.
With this new restriction in place, both parties must now argue their case solely within the courtroom, setting the stage for what could be a high-stakes legal confrontation away from the public eye.
