Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja has reversed its previous order, which had nullified “any action” taken during Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing lawsuit challenging her suspension by the Senate. Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the new ruling on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, effectively setting aside the earlier decision.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a motion ex parte (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), suing the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuem, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. She sought an interim injunction to stop the Senate from proceeding with an investigation into her alleged misconduct, which stemmed from an incident during plenary on February 20, 2025. The Senate had referred the matter to the committee on February 25, 2025.
On March 4, 2025, Justice Egwuatu granted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s motion, which temporarily barred the Senate from taking further action while the suit was pending. He also directed the defendants to appear within 72 hours to explain why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued to prevent them from proceeding with the investigation without allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan the rights and privileges stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Despite the court’s order, the Senate proceeded to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, effective March 6, 2025, citing violations of Senate rules. In response, Justice Egwuatu ordered the defendants to file their defences.
During proceedings on March 19, 2025, the Senate’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN, filed a motion seeking to reverse or stay the effect of Order No. 4, issued on March 4, 2025. He argued that the order, which declared any action taken during the pendency of the suit as null and void, was vague and lacked specificity, as it did not clarify which parties or actions were being targeted. Ojukwu contended that enforcing the order would result in a constitutional crisis, halting the Senate’s legislative functions and depriving it of a fair hearing. Other defence counsels, including those representing the Senate President, supported Ojukwu’s position.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa SAN, countered by arguing that the defence had failed to show any valid reason for the court to set aside the order, describing their actions as “clear legislative recklessness.”
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu stated that setting aside the earlier order would not prejudice Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case. He declined to set aside the March 4 proceedings, noting that this was not part of the defence’s formal request. The judge then set aside the earlier Order No. 4 and fixed March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all applications.
The controversy between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio gained public attention after Akpoti-Uduaghan was asked to change her seat during plenary. The altercation escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her in December 2023, leading to a defamation lawsuit. Her Senate seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle prompted by opposition members switching to the majority wing, and she resisted the relocation, resulting in a confrontation with Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked mixed reactions in the political landscape. While some senators attempted to reduce the suspension to three months, the Senate upheld the six-month decision by a majority vote. The suspension includes penalties such as freezing her salary and allowances and withdrawing her security detail. Supporters of the decision argue that it enforces legislative discipline, while critics warn that the penalties could set a dangerous precedent for stifling dissent within the Senate.
