Court Upholds Senate’s Suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reversed its earlier decision that restrained the Senate from suspending Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a ruling on Wednesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu lifted the interim injunction that had barred the Senate from taking disciplinary action against the lawmaker.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially secured the court’s intervention through an ex-parte motion, seeking to stop an investigation into allegations of misconduct against her by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuem.

On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order preventing the Senate from suspending her and declared that any action taken against her while the case was pending would be null and void.

However, despite the ruling, the Senate proceeded to suspend her for six months on March 6, citing alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge, arguing that the Senate had defied the court’s directive by proceeding with her suspension.

Defending its actions, the Senate, through its counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), challenged the injunction, arguing that it was vague, unconstitutional, and an overreach into legislative affairs. The Senate maintained that the order violated the principle of separation of powers.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), countered that the Senate had willfully ignored the court’s ruling and urged the court to reject its arguments.

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Egwuatu vacated the earlier injunction, effectively upholding the Senate’s decision to suspend the senator.

The case has been adjourned to March 25 for further hearings on pending applications.