Federal High Court restricts media engagement in Senator Natasha’s suspension case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed a media gag on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Senate regarding the ongoing legal battle over the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker. Justice Binta Nyako issued the ruling on Friday, restraining all parties and their legal representatives from discussing the case publicly.

Recall that BusinessDay earlier reported that Justice Obiora Egwuatu had recused himself from presiding over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit challenging her six-month suspension by the Senate, following allegations of bias raised by one of the defendants. Chief Judge John Tsoho subsequently reassigned the matter to Justice Nyako.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a motion ex parte (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. The lawmaker sought an interim injunction to halt the committee’s investigation into alleged misconduct during a February 20 plenary session, which the Senate referred for review on February 25.

Despite the pending legal action, the Senate proceeded to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, 2025, citing violations of its rules. Justice Egwuatu had earlier withdrawn from the case, stating that confidence in the judiciary is paramount and that allegations of bias necessitated his stepping aside to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.

Courtroom Developments
At Friday’s resumed hearing, J.S. Okutepa SAN, representing Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that his client’s suspension spans six months. He urged the court to streamline processes and expedite resolution.

Counsels for the defendants, Charles Iyoila (Clerk of the National Assembly), Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN (Senate), Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN (Akpabio), and Umeh Kalu SAN (Imasuem)—concurred on expediting the case. However, Ogunwumiju argued for immediate attention to injunctions, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of granting prejudicial interviews to international media outlets like BBC and CNN.

Okutepa countered, highlighting that another senator had publicly commented on the issue via television appearances. He stressed that the court’s directives should apply universally to all parties involved, urging adherence to decorum. “They should maintain decorum,” he remarked.

Justice Nyako’s Ruling

In her decision, Justice Nyako ordered: “No press interviews by parties and counsel as regards the subject matter of this case. No streaming or social media posts concerning this case by any of the parties and counsel. No TV interviews analyzing the subject matter while the case is sub judice.”

She further mandated a “total media blockade” on the matter until its conclusion. The court adjourned the case for further hearing on May 12, 2025.

Backstory

The controversy erupted after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a December 2023 visit to his residence. Public attention intensified when she was asked to change her seat during a Senate plenary session. Her subsequent suspension has polarized opinions, with some lawmakers defending it as a measure to enforce discipline, while critics argue it stifles dissent within the legislative chamber.