Court Imposes Media Ban On Senate President Akpabio And Senator Akpoti Amid Misconduct Case.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order barring Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Nigerian Senate from granting media interviews regarding an ongoing legal battle over alleged misconduct. The ruling, delivered on Friday, underscores the judiciary’s intent to maintain impartiality as the high-profile case unfolds.
The decision came during a hearing presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, who stepped in after the previous judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, recused himself citing allegations of bias levelled by Senate President Akpabio. The case stems from a suit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative for Kogi Central, who is seeking to halt disciplinary proceedings initiated against her by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions. She alleges that her suspension from the Senate on 6 March, following a dispute over seating arrangements, was a retaliatory move linked to her rejection of inappropriate advances by Akpabio—a claim he has vehemently denied.
Justice Nyako’s order was clear: “There should be no press interviews by all parties and counsel as regards the subject matter of this case; no streaming or social media posts are permitted.” The judge emphasised a “total media blockage” to prevent any statements that could prejudice the judicial process. The ruling followed complaints from Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN, who argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent interviews with outlets such as the BBC and CNN risked undermining the case. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, J.S. Okutepa SAN, pointed out that other senators had also spoken publicly about the matter, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in the application of the gag order.
The legal saga has gripped the nation, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio sparking widespread debate. She claims the Senate President made suggestive remarks and advances during a visit to his Akwa Ibom residence on 8 December 2023, an accusation that has fuelled her ongoing battle to clear her name and challenge her suspension. Akpabio, for his part, has dismissed the claims as baseless, with his supporters arguing that the senator’s suspension was solely due to “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.”
The court’s intervention marks the latest chapter in a contentious dispute that has seen judicial musical chairs and escalating political tensions. After Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal, the case was reassigned to Justice Nyako by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, on Thursday. With the media ban now in place, all eyes are on the next hearing, as Nigerians await clarity on a case that has raised serious questions about power, privilege, and accountability in the country’s legislative chambers.
For now, both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan—along with the Senate—are silenced on the airwaves, leaving the public to speculate as the courtroom becomes the sole arena for this unfolding drama.
