The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio from granting any media interviews while a case involving the female lawmaker remains before the court.
The directive was given by the newly assigned presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, during a hearing on the suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan seeking to halt the Senate’s planned investigation against her.
Justice Nyako emphasized that all parties and their legal representatives must refrain from making public comments or engaging with the media in any form until the matter is fully heard and determined.
“There should be no press interviews by any of the parties or counsel concerning this case. No live streaming, no social media commentary. There should be total media silence,” the judge stated.
The case was reassigned to Justice Nyako by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, following the withdrawal of Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who stepped down due to allegations of bias reportedly raised by Senate President Akpabio — the third defendant in the matter.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the court to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions from initiating disciplinary action against her.