In a significant development, the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, has issued a restraining order preventing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and all other parties involved in the ongoing legal battle from engaging with the media regarding the case. The order extends to lawyers and prohibits press interviews, streaming of court proceedings on social media, and any form of media publicity related to the suit.

The directive was issued on Friday during a hearing concerning the suit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is seeking to halt the Senate's investigation into her conduct. Justice Nyako's decision came in response to concerns raised by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, counsel to Senator Akpabio, who alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been discussing the case on various television platforms, potentially influencing public perception.

"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 as regard this. There should be total media blockage," Justice Nyako stated emphatically, underscoring the court's intent to maintain the integrity of the legal process.

The legal saga began when Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a suit to prevent the Senate committee on ethics and public petitions from initiating disciplinary proceedings against her. Initially, on March 4, the court granted an order restraining the Senate from commencing such proceedings, following an ex parte application by the senator's legal team. However, this order was later vacated on March 19 by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who was the initial presiding judge.

Justice Egwuatu subsequently recused himself from the case on March 25, citing allegations of bias leveled against him by Senate President Akpabio. Consequently, the case was transferred to Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for reassignment, ultimately landing before Justice Binta Nyako.

The Senate had previously suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing alleged gross misconduct, a decision that followed the adoption of a report by the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions. This suspension is now further complicated by the ongoing legal challenges and the court's gag order, which aims to prevent any external influence or prejudice during the proceedings.