The Federal High Court in Abuja has vacated its previous order restraining the Senate from suspending Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, effectively clearing the way for her disciplinary process to proceed.
Legal Battle Over Suspension
The case stemmed from an altercation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a 20 February plenary session, after which the Senate opened an investigation into alleged misconduct.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought legal protection through an ex parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), naming the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and the Ethics Committee chairman as defendants.
On 4 March, Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted an interim injunction, halting the Senate’s disciplinary process and declaring that any action taken while the case was ongoing would be null and void.
Despite this court order, the Senate proceeded on 6 March to suspend her for six months, seal her office, and order the return of all official properties in her possession.
Wednesday’s Court Proceedings
During the 20 March hearing, Senate counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that the 4 March order was vague and ambiguous, preventing the Senate from exercising its constitutional powers.
He emphasized that the Senate’s legislative duties could not be indefinitely restricted, as doing so could create a constitutional crisis.
“The said Order No. 4 of 4 March 2025, as granted, effectively restrains the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from conducting any of its legislative duties in accordance with its constitutional functions,” Ojukwu argued.
Lawyers representing the Senate President and other defendants supported Ojukwu’s submission, urging the court to set aside the injunction.
However, Michael Numa (SAN), counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, countered that the defense had not provided sufficient grounds to overturn the court’s order, describing the Senate’s actions as “clear legislative recklessness.”
Court’s Ruling
After hearing both sides, Justice Egwuatu ruled to lift the injunction, stating that the decision “will not in any way prejudice” Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case.
However, the judge refused to invalidate the 4 March proceedings, stating that such a request was not formally included in the defense’s application.
“I set aside Order 4 made on 4 March 2025,” Justice Egwuatu ruled.
The court adjourned the case to 25 March for the hearing of all pending applications.
Background and Fallout
- The disciplinary case began after a dispute over seat allocation in the Senate chamber led to an altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
- On 4 March, the Federal High Court issued an order halting her suspension.
- On 6 March, the Senate ignored the court order and suspended her for six months.
- On 7 March, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team filed a contempt of court notice (Form 48) against Akpabio and other senators, warning of potential legal consequences.
With the latest ruling, the Senate is now legally free to proceed with its disciplinary actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, setting the stage for further legal and political confrontations.
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