Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order barring all parties involved in the ongoing legal challenge surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) from making public statements or granting media interviews on the matter.
The case, which was recently reassigned to Justice Nyako following the recusal of Justice Egwuatu, came up for mention on Friday.
The court took appearances from lead lawyersnrepresenting both parties. Chief J.S. Okutepa (SAN) appeared for Natasha while Umeh Kalu (SAN), Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) and Paul Daudu (SAN) represented the Senate and its committee.
Justice Nyako noted that several applications had been filed, including preliminary objections challenging the originating summons.
The judge further directed lawyers to the parties to submit to the Court Registrar a list and brief description of their filed processes, indicating which are deemed relevant or otherwise, ahead of the next adjourned date.
The judge further directed that all preliminary objections and the substantive suit would be consolidated and heard together on the next hearing date.
Justice Nyako emphasized that in cases involving conflicting affidavit evidence, oral testimony may be required to ensure substantial justice.
But the judge clarified that the issue of jurisdiction would be determined first before any consideration of the substantive claims made by the plaintiff in the same judgment.
Justice Nyako further warned parties against extra judicial comments in the media over the suit pending before her, saying that such an infamous conduct would not be tolerated.
The judge consequently issued a formal order restraining all parties, including Senator Natasha, their legal representatives, and members of the 10th National Assembly, from making public comments on the case through any media platforms, traditional or social.
The judge further directed that the restriction also extends to legal and political analysts, commentators, and media guests on radio and television programmes.
It is instructive to note that the development was sequel to recent public engagements by Natasha, including comments made at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in New York, where she alleged that her suspension was a result of accusations she made concerning sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She subsequently externalised her campaign and granted interviews to multiple international media outlets, including the BBC, SKY, and DEW.
The matter has been adjourned till May 12, 2025, for hearing of all interlocutory applications and the substantive case while a date for judgment will be scheduled thereafter.
