Power Clash: Court Bans Natasha and Akpabio From Media Talks

Power Clash: Court Bans Natasha and Akpabio From Media Talks

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to stop all media engagement related to their ongoing legal case.

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako gave the directive on Thursday, April 4, during a brief session. She instructed both politicians, their legal teams, and their supporters to refrain from making any comments in the press or granting interviews while the matter is still before the court.

The judge didn’t mince words.

She clearly stated, “There shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers regarding the subject matter of the case.”

That includes stopping the broadcast of courtroom proceedings across social media platforms, a method that had been drawing attention and stirring controversy.

This court order stems from a lawsuit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She’s challenging the actions of Senate President Akpabio and three others over her suspension from the Senate.

Her legal battle accuses Akpabio of using his position to suppress her representation of Kogi Central in the Senate.

During Thursday’s court proceedings, Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), raised a strong complaint.

He accused Natasha of running what he called a “media tour,” appearing on different television stations and granting interviews on a matter still before the court.

According to Ogunwumiju, these public remarks have the potential to influence public opinion and undermine the judicial process.

Justice Nyako didn’t take long to respond. She declared that such actions must stop immediately.

“No one involved in this case should speak to the media or stream anything about the matter on social media until the court concludes its judgment,” she ruled.

The judge’s decision points to a broader issue in Nigeria’s political and judicial spaces: the growing tendency of politicians and their supporters to use the media as a courtroom of public opinion.

Natasha, a vocal senator who has repeatedly claimed that her suspension is politically motivated, has gained public sympathy through several televised interviews.

However, Akpabio’s legal team insists that this conduct amounts to sub judice — interfering with an ongoing court case, which is not only improper but potentially contemptuous.

Observers say this move by the court might calm rising tensions between both camps, especially as public interest in the case has been high.

It’s not just political drama — this case raises important questions about free speech, the independence of the judiciary, and the boundaries of political activism in Nigeria.

By clamping down on media commentary, the court appears to be taking a firm stance to protect its integrity and prevent a trial-by-media scenario.

The court didn’t say how long the media blackout will last. However, the message was clear: All parties must now focus on the legal arguments within the courtroom, not the court of public opinion.

The case continues, and Nigerians will be watching — but in silence, at least for now.

SEO Metadata

Title: Power Clash: Court Bans Natasha and Akpabio From Media Talks

Description:

Keywords: