Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has filed contempt charges against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others over her contentious six-month suspension without pay.
The lawsuit, which has garnered significant attention, was submitted before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday and accuses several high-ranking officials of disregarding a court order.
In her Form 48 contempt charge, Akpoti-Uduaghan named Senate President Akpabio, Clerk of the National Assembly, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuen, as defendants.
These individuals are accused of deliberately violating an injunction issued by the court, which temporarily halted any further investigation into her alleged misconduct.
The case traces back to a ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court on March 4, 2025, when he granted an ex parte motion filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Michael Numa.
The judge had restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with any investigation related to events that occurred during the Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025, and subsequent referral on February 25, 2025.
The court’s directive, which was intended to remain effective until the motion for an interlocutory injunction was heard, was clear in its stance: any action taken during the pendency of the suit would be deemed null and void.
Furthermore, the court had directed the defendants to show cause why an injunction should not be granted to prevent further action against Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that such actions infringed upon her constitutional privileges.
Despite this court order, just two days later, the Senate proceeded with the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senate leadership, led by Akpabio, has contested the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that the judiciary has no authority to interfere in the Senate’s internal matters.
In response to this defiance, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has now filed a formal contempt charge, accusing the defendants of “wilful disobedience” and “flagrant disregard” for the authority of the court. The charge claims that the suspension represents an intentional violation of the court’s ruling and constitutes an act of contempt.
The Federal High Court has also issued a notice of disobedience, warning that the failure to comply with its order could lead to legal consequences, including possible imprisonment.
The notice cites the relevant provisions under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, underscoring the gravity of contempt proceedings against Akpabio, Imasuen, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
As the case unfolds, it raises significant questions about the limits of judicial intervention in legislative matters and the accountability of public officials in adhering to court orders.
The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the relationship between the judiciary and the legislature in Nigeria.
