The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Nigerian Senate from making public comments about the ongoing court case over Akpoti’s suspension.
Justice Binta Nyako gave the order on Friday, April 4, 2025. She said all parties involved in the case must not speak to the press, go on TV, or post on social media until the case is over.
“There should be no press interviews by parties and counsel as regards the subject matter of this case,” the judge 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.”
Justice Nyako also ordered a “total media blockade” on the matter until the court gives its final decision. The case was later adjourned to May 12, 2025.
The case began after the Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, 2025, for alleged misconduct during a plenary session on February 20. She was suspended for six months after a referral by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
Akpoti had taken the matter to court in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025. She asked the court to stop the Senate from going ahead with its investigation and to cancel her suspension.
She sued the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuen, who chairs the ethics committee.
Her lawyer, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), told the court that the case was urgent. “The suspension is for six months. It affects my client seriously. We want the court to act fast,” he said.
However, lawyer to Senate President Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), raised concern that Akpoti had already given interviews to BBC and CNN. He said this could affect the fairness of the case.
In response, Okutepa said another senator from the South-East has also spoken publicly on the issue. He urged the court to stop all members of the Senate and their aides from making further comments.
“There should be decorum. Let everyone wait for the court’s decision,” he said.
Before Justice Nyako took over the case, the former judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, withdrew, saying one of the parties accused the court of bias.
Akpoti’s case has sparked public debate. Some believe the Senate’s action promotes discipline, while others say it could silence lawmakers who speak against Senate leadership.
The disagreement between Akpoti and Akpabio gained attention after she claimed the Senate President made inappropriate advances toward her during a private visit in December 2023.
The court’s next sitting on the case will hold on May 12.
