Court Bars Natasha, Akpabio From Granting Interviews

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill from granting press interviews or livestreaming court proceedings related to their case.

The judge, Justice Binta Nyako issued the order after Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, complained that Natasha had been hopping from one TV station to another, discussing her case with various media outlets, including the BBC and CNN.

In the ruling, Justice Nyako said there shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers as regards the subject matter of the case.

Justice Nyako also barred parties and their lawyers from engaging in the streaming of the proceedings in the case on social media.

“There shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers as regards the subject matter of the case,” Justice Nyako ruled, emphasizing that the case is sub judice.

The Case: A Timeline

Natasha is contesting the Senate’s decision to suspend her for six months over alleged misconduct, claiming she was denied a fair hearing. Here’s how the case unfolded:

Initial Hearing: The case was transferred from Justice Obiora Egwuatu’s court, and Natasha’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa, urged the court to hear all pending applications alongside the main suit, citing the limited duration of her suspension.

Objections: While some lawyers didn’t object, others, including Ogunwumiju and Umeh Kalu, opposed the application.

Ruling: Justice Nyako ruled in favor of Okutepa, scheduling the hearing for May 12.

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