Rita Odafe
The Federal High Court located in Abuja has set a date to announce its ruling on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge against her suspension by the Senate.
The court will deliver its judgment on June 27, 2025.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who serves Kogi Central, is fighting against a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate due to alleged misconduct and violations of Senate regulations. Her suspension took effect on March 8, following claims that she interrupted Senate proceedings and publicly accused the Senate President of sexual harassment.
Despite the allegations, the senator asserts that her suspension breaches a previous court ruling from Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which prohibited any actions against her until the legal proceedings concluded.
On Tuesday, May 13, Justice Binta Nyako presided over the hearing, which also included addressing two contempt charges: one initiated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the other by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio and the Senate.
During the hearing, Natasha’s legal representative, Michael Numa (SAN), presented his arguments and called for the court to dismiss all preliminary objections to the lawsuit. He requested the court to grant the plaintiff’s requested reliefs without limitation and to reject any contempt charges against her.
Numa emphasized that the court’s order restricting media interviews did not pertain to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public remarks regarding sexual harassment allegations. He further accused the Senate and its officials of contempt by proceeding with her suspension despite the existing order.
Charles Yoila, representing the Clerk of the National Assembly, highlighted his ongoing motion questioning the court’s jurisdiction and urged a dismissal of the case altogether.
Attorneys for the Senate, Chikasolu Ojukwu (SAN) and J. Daudu (SAN), backed the preliminary objections, claiming that Akpoti-Uduaghan had disregarded the court’s order regarding media interactions.
Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), speaking for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, encouraged the court to accept his preliminary objection, arguing that the issue had become theoretical. As an alternative, he requested a dismissal of the suit and the striking down of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s online “satirical apology.”
The legal team for the Senate Committee chair supported the defendants and called for the lawsuit’s termination.
After considering all submissions, Justice Binta Nyako remarked that she would first resolve the contempt issues before proceeding with the final judgment.
She indicated that if the defendants’ preliminary objection was upheld, the case would be dismissed at that stage.
The matter was then adjourned to June 27, 2025, for the ruling.
