Federal High Court Upholds Senate’s Suspension Of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned its previous ruling that prevented the Senate from suspending Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a decision on Wednesday, lifted the injunction that had earlier barred the Senate from taking disciplinary action against the lawmaker.

Initially, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought the court’s intervention through an ex-parte motion, requesting a halt to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct’s investigation into alleged misconduct. The committee is chaired by Senator Neda Imasuem.

Following her application, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order on March 4, restraining the Senate from suspending her and stating that any action taken against her while the case was ongoing would be invalid.

However, despite this order, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on March 6, citing alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session.

In response, the senator filed a contempt charge, arguing that the suspension directly defied the court’s directive.

Representing the Senate, counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) challenged the ruling, asserting that it was vague and encroached on legislative authority, thereby violating the separation of powers doctrine.

On the opposing side, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative, Michael Numa (SAN), maintained that the Senate had deliberately ignored the court’s order and urged the court to reject its defense.

After hearing both arguments, Justice Egwuatu set aside the initial injunction, effectively affirming the Senate’s authority to suspend the senator.

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