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| Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan submits her petition |
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit against the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges to March 25, 2025. Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the case to allow for harmonization of all processes.
The suit was initially filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her. Although a restraining order was granted, the Senate proceeded to suspend her for six months after reviewing the committee’s report.
At the hearing, counsels for the defendants stated that they had not been served with the necessary documents. Michael Numa (SAN), counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserted that all parties had been served and that affidavits of service were before the court, which Justice Egwuatu confirmed.
Kehinde Ogunwumiju, counsel for the Senate President, requested an adjournment to harmonize all processes, a motion supported by other counsels to facilitate a swift hearing at the next adjourned date.
Peter Nwaebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, defended the Senate’s decision, stating that legislative matters fall outside judicial interference unless there is a clear violation of the law and emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was in line with Senate regulations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed her resubmission of a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which was initially dismissed due to procedural violations.
The resubmitted petition, signed by a constituent, accuses Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. Prior to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan had a disagreement with Akpabio regarding seating arrangements.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticized the Senate for suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it an abuse of power. He also noted that courts have reinstated lawmakers previously suspended by the national or state legislatures.
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