Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Seeks Extension of Court Order Against Duru, Meta Over Defamation

BY MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Thursday, approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gwagwalada Division, seeking an extension of an earlier ex-parte order restraining Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke) and Meta Platforms Inc., operators of Facebook and other social media platforms, from publishing further defamatory statements against her.

The senator had earlier dragged Duru and Meta before the court as first and second defendants respectively, over alleged defamatory posts circulated on social media.

When the matter came up for hearing, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Sunusi Musa, SAN, appearing with A.T. Imadegbelo, P.A. Igbodu, and A.S. Yakasai, informed the court that the case was slated for hearing of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

Musa explained that while service of court processes on the second defendant had initially been attempted via email, it was discovered that the email address used was incorrect.

He, however, confirmed that physical service was effected at Meta’s United States office on Wednesday. The counsel requested a brief adjournment and an extension of the ex-parte order, citing continued publication of alleged defamatory materials by the first defendant.

Counsel to Meta Platforms, Mofesomo Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, accompanied by Eustace Nwaozuzu and Victoria Bassey, acknowledged awareness of the service issue but noted that Meta had not yet confirmed receipt of the court documents.

Oyetibo opposed the request for extension, arguing that granting it could amount to an admission that the publications were defamatory — the core issue in dispute.

He sought 30 days to respond, in line with Section 99 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act.

Similarly, counsel to the first defendant, I.O. Abida, aligned with the second defendant’s position and objected to the extension of the order.

In response, the claimant’s counsel argued that the first defendant’s continued publications justified the extension, citing Order 30, Rule 3(2) of the FCT High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, which allows for renewal of interim ex-parte orders.

After hearing all parties, Justice I. Mohammed extended the interim injunction and directed parties to address the substantive issues through their counter-affidavits.

The matter was adjourned to November 19, 2025, for further hearing.

It would be recalled that on September 29, 2025, the same court granted an interim injunction restraining Duru — either personally, through her agents, or by any means — from publishing or promoting any defamatory, scandalous, inciteful, or injurious content against the Senator on social media.

The court also directed Meta Platforms to disable access to any offending posts or broadcasts concerning Akpoti-Uduaghan pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Additionally, the court granted leave for service of processes outside jurisdiction and deemed service effected via courier and electronically (in the case of Meta) as proper service in accordance with the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act.