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| Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan |
In a new twist that perhaps reflects the present day Nigeria, the Federal High Court in Abuja has vacated its earlier order that halted the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central by the Senate.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu made this decision on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both sides in the case.
This ruling effectively allows the Senate’s actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan to stand, following her suspension for alleged misconduct during a February 20 plenary session.
The case has been adjourned until March 25 for further proceedings
Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the court in an ex-parte motion seeking to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuem, from investigating allegations of misconduct against her.
The senator named the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, its President, and the committee chairman as the first to fourth defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
Following her application, Justice Egwuatu had, on March 4, granted an interim injunction halting any disciplinary action against her.
One of the orders declared any decision taken against her while the case was pending as null and void.
Despite this, the Senate went ahead to suspend her for six months on March 6, citing misconduct during the February 20 plenary.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge, arguing that her suspension was a blatant disregard of the court’s directive.
However, the Senate, through its counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), challenged the order, describing it as vague and an overreach into legislative affairs.
Ojukwu argued that enforcing the order would interfere with the Senate’s constitutional duties, violating the doctrine of separation of powers.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the Senate’s application, insisting that the defendants had deliberately disobeyed a valid court order.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Egwuatu set aside the contentious order, paving the way for the Senate’s actions to stand.
The case was adjourned until March 25 for the hearing of all pending applications.
~PUNCH
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