Court Reserves Judgment on Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Case Until June 27
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until June 27 for judgment in the suit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha challenging her six-month suspension by the Senate.
Case Background and Key Arguments
Justice Binta Nyako, who took over the case after Justice Obiorah Egwuatu recused himself, heard final submissions from both parties before reserving judgment. The case involves allegations of contempt of court and violations of free speech rights.
The defendants in the suit (marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) include:
- The Clerk of the National Assembly
- The Senate
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Senator Nedamwen Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions
Controversial Suspension and Legal Challenges
Senator Akpoti-Uduagha, represented by lawyer Jubril Okutekpa (SAN), argued that her suspension violated a valid court order. The defendants countered that the matter was an internal Senate affair beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
Senate President Akpabio, through his lawyer Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), accused the plaintiff of contempt for allegedly mocking a court order through a “satirical apology” posted on Facebook.
Judicial Process and Previous Rulings
Justice Nyako noted the case involves complex legal issues requiring careful interpretation. The matter was transferred to her after Justice Egwuatu stepped down following bias allegations from Akpabio.
Previously, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order on March 4 blocking the Senate Committee from disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Despite this, the Committee proceeded with her suspension.
Origins of the Dispute
The conflict began on February 20 when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a seating arrangement change during plenary. After being overruled but continuing to speak, the Senate President referred her to the Ethics Committee.
The senator later alleged in a February 28 TV interview that her troubles stemmed from rejecting unwanted advances from the Senate President.
For more details, read the original report on Persecond News.