A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred parties in the suit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and three others from granting press interviews on issues relating to the case.
Justice Binta Nyako issued the order on Friday following complaint by lawyer to Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) that the plaintiff was moving from one television house to another, granting press interviews on issues relating to her case, currently pending before the court.
Ruling, Justice Nyako said there shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers as regard the subject matter of the case.
Justice Nyako also barred parties and their lawyers from engaging in streaming of proceedings in the case on social media.
At the commencement of proceedings on Friday, plaintiff’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) told the court that the case was coming up for the first, having been transferred from another court, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
Okutepa said parties have filed and exchanged all relevant documents, except one and prayed the court to grant a consolidated hearing of all pending applications along with the substantive suit.
He noted that time was of the essence because his client’s suspicion was for a limited period. He added the his client was desirous of expeditious determination of the case.
Lawyers to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Charles Iyoila and Paul Daudu (SAN), who represented the Senate did not object to Okutepa’s application that the substantive case should be heard with the objections raised by the defendants.
Ogunwumiju and Umeh Kalu (SAN), who represented Senator Neda Imasuem – Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct – objected to Okutepa’s application.
Justice Nyako ruled and held in favour of Okutepa, saying the court would hear all pending applications, including preliminary objections along with the substantive suit. She thereafter adjouned the matter till May 12.
