Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday issued an injunction stopping the senate president, Mr Godswill Akpabio and the senator representing Kogi Central, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from granting media interviews or making social media posts concerning the ongoing case of the latter’s suspension from the senate.
The order also affects the counsel of both parties.
Nyako issued the order following complaints by Akpabio’s lawyer, Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju, regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan granting interviews to international media establishments like the BBC, CNN and other news organisations.
He argued that these interviews were prejudicial to the course of justice.
Natasha’s lawyer, Mr Jibrin Okutepa countered Ogunwumiju’s point, noting that a lawmaker from the southeast also appeared on TV and discussed the matter.
He insisted that the court’s order should apply to all parties, including any member of the senate, stressing the need for decorum.
Ruling on the application, Nyako ordered that there should be “no press interviews by parties and counsel as regard the subject matter of this case.”
She further ruled, “No streaming or social media posts as regards this case by any of the parties and counsel. No TV interviews analyzing the subject matter of this case while the case is subjudice.”
She also directed that the parties ensure a “total media blockade” on the case until a decision is made and adjourned the matter to May 12, 2025 for hearing.
