Court Adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Case Against Senate to March 25

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the lawsuit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to March 25. The senator had approached the court seeking to halt a disciplinary investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Earlier, on March 5, the court issued an ex parte order restraining the committee from proceeding with its inquiry. However, the Senate moved forward with suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing violations of its rules.

During Monday’s court session, lawyers representing the first, second, and third defendants claimed they had not been served with court processes. However, Michael Numa, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, countered that all parties had indeed been served, presenting affidavits of service as proof.

Upon reviewing the case file, Justice Obiora Egwatu confirmed that all defendants had received the necessary documents. Following this, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, counsel for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requested an adjournment to allow all legal processes to be harmonized. Other defense lawyers supported the request, arguing that it would ensure a smoother hearing when the case resumes.

In his ruling, Justice Egwatu granted the adjournment, setting the next hearing for March 25 and directing that all relevant documents be served on the parties before the date.

Speaking after the court session, Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwaebonyi questioned the court’s interference in Senate affairs, describing it as “strange.” He maintained that the Senate was simply adhering to legal protocol.

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Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from a heated confrontation with Senate President Akpabio on February 20 over seating arrangements in the chamber. Following her suspension, she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim that sparked controversy.

However, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions dismissed her petition, ruling that it did not meet procedural requirements. Committee Chairman Neda Imaseun deemed it “dead on arrival,” citing a Senate rule that prohibits petitioners from signing their complaints.