Court Gags Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio, Others Over Senate Suspension Row
In a dramatic turn in the controversial suspension saga rocking the Nigerian Senate, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a sweeping gag order barring Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other involved parties from speaking to the media regarding the matter.
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Justice Binta Nyako, who has newly assumed control of the case following the abrupt withdrawal of Justice Obiora Egwuatu, delivered the ruling on Friday during court proceedings. Her directive mandates a total media blackout, including press interviews, television appearances, social media commentary, and any form of public communication related to the case.
“There should be no press interview by all parties and counsel as regard the subject matter of this case; no streaming or social media post as regard this case. There should be no TV interviews. There should be total media blockage,” Justice Nyako ruled.
This judicial move follows a petition submitted by Senate President Akpabio accusing the former judge, Egwuatu, of bias—forcing his withdrawal and leading to the reassignment of the case by Chief Judge John Tsoho.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed the suit in March seeking to halt an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges into her conduct. The investigation stemmed from a heated exchange between her and Akpabio during a Senate session concerning her seat allocation. Despite a court-issued restraining order at the time, the Senate proceeded to suspend her for six months.
Critics have labeled the suspension an act of political intimidation aimed at silencing a dissenting voice in the upper chamber. The case has sparked both national and international concern, especially after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed on procedural grounds, and which Akpabio has denied.
Though the court has now barred media commentary, the drama has already played out extensively in the public space. Allies of both camps have issued media statements, press releases, and social media posts, leveling accusations and counter-allegations. Furthermore, the Senate floor—where lawmakers enjoy constitutional immunity—has continued to serve as a platform for politically charged speeches related to the matter.
Despite the court’s attempt to contain the fallout, the case remains a flashpoint in Nigeria’s political landscape, with civil society groups, women’s rights advocates, and international observers closely monitoring developments.
What began as a dispute over a Senate seat has now ballooned into a multifaceted confrontation involving gender politics, abuse of power allegations, judicial integrity, and the struggle for freedom of expression within democratic institutions.
Whether the court’s gag order will de-escalate tensions or simply drive discourse underground remains to be seen.
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Court Gags Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio, Others Over Senate Suspension Row