Court Battle Deepens As Senator Natasha Moves To Renew Order Against Duru, Facebook Owners

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP–Kogi Central) has 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 or promoting further defamatory content against her.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The senator had previously sued Duru and Meta as first and second defendants, respectively, over alleged defamatory social media posts circulated online.

At Thursday’s proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Sunusi Musa (SAN), informed the court that the matter was fixed for hearing of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

Musa explained that initial attempts to serve Meta through email were unsuccessful due to an error in the address, but confirmed that physical service was successfully effected at Meta’s office in the United States on Wednesday. He then requested a short adjournment and an extension of the existing ex-parte order, citing the continued publication of defamatory materials by the first defendant.

Counsel to Meta Platforms, Mofesomo Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), acknowledged awareness of the service issue but stated that Meta had yet to confirm receipt of the documents. He opposed the request for an extension, arguing that doing so could imply an admission that the publications were defamatory — a matter that remains under judicial consideration. Oyetibo further requested 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 Meta’s position and objected to any extension of the restraining order.

In response, Musa maintained that Duru’s continued online publications justified the renewal of the interim order, citing Order 30, Rule 3(2) of the FCT High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, which empowers the court to renew interim injunctions pending full determination of the suit.

After hearing all submissions, Justice I. Mohammed extended the interim injunction and directed parties to address the substantive issues through their counter-affidavits. The case was adjourned to November 19, 2025, for further hearing.

It will be recalled that on September 29, 2025, the same court granted an interim order restraining Duru, whether personally or through her agents, from publishing or sharing any defamatory, scandalous, inciteful, or injurious material against the senator on social media.

The court also directed Meta Platforms Inc. to take down and restrict access to all offending posts or broadcasts concerning Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pending the determination of the substantive case.