The Federal High Court in Abuja has vacated its earlier order halting the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu overturned the ruling on Wednesday after considering arguments from both parties involved in the case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed an ex-parte motion seeking to prevent 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 defendants in the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
In response, Justice Egwuatu had granted an interim injunction on March 4, halting any disciplinary action against her and declaring that any decision made while the case was pending would be null and void.
Despite this, the Senate proceeded with a six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, citing misconduct during the February 20 plenary. In turn, she filed a contempt charge, accusing the Senate of disregarding the court’s order.
The Senate, through its counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that the order was vague and amounted to an overreach into legislative affairs. He contended that enforcing the injunction would violate the doctrine of separation of powers and interfere with the Senate’s constitutional duties.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the Senate’s application, claiming the defendants had intentionally ignored a valid court order.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Egwuatu set aside the previous order, allowing the Senate’s actions to stand. The case was adjourned to March 25 for the hearing of all pending applications.
