In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against all parties involved in the suit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and three others. The order, issued by Justice Binta Fatima Nyako, prohibits all parties and their lawyers from granting press interviews or making public comments related to the case, which is currently pending before the court.
Background of the Case
Akpoti-Uduaghan's lawsuit challenges her six-month suspension by the Senate over alleged misconduct. She claims that she was not given a fair hearing before the suspension[2][4]. The Senate's decision to suspend her was part of an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Reason for the Restraining Order
The court's decision came after Akpabio's lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), complained that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been actively engaging with the media, appearing on multiple television stations and discussing the case while it was still before the court. Ogunwumiju argued that these actions were sub judice and undermined the court's authority.
Additional Prohibitions
In addition to barring media interviews, Justice Nyako also prohibited parties and their lawyers from streaming court proceedings on social media platforms. This move aims to prevent any further public discussion that could influence the case or undermine the court's authority.
The case has been adjourned until May 12 for a full hearing. Akpoti-Uduaghan's legal team has requested an expedited hearing due to the time-sensitive nature of her suspension, which is set to last for six months. The court's decision to consolidate all pending applications with the substantive suit is expected to streamline the legal process and potentially resolve the matter more quickly.
This ruling highlights the court's commitment to maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings by preventing external influences that could sway public opinion or affect the case's outcome. It also underscores the importance of respecting the sub judice rule, which prohibits public discussion of ongoing legal matters to ensure a fair trial.