The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its judgment until June 27, 2025, in the case brought by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is challenging her suspension from the Senate.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is disputing the Senate’s decision to suspend her for six months based on allegations of misconduct and violations of Senate rules. Her suspension, which took effect on March 8, followed claims that she disrupted proceedings and publicly accused the Senate President of sexual harassment during a live television appearance.
The senator maintains that her suspension contravenes an existing court order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which prohibited any punitive action against her pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.
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The case came before Justice Binta Nyako on Tuesday, May 13. Justice Nyako also addressed two contempt applications on Monday: one filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against Akpoti-Uduaghan, and a counter-contempt suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio and the Senate.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), formally adopted his written arguments and urged the court to dismiss all preliminary objections. He requested that the court grant all reliefs sought by the plaintiff in full and dismiss the contempt application brought against her.
Numa argued that the court’s previous order barring parties from speaking to the media did not cover Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public comments regarding the sexual harassment allegations. He further claimed the Senate acted in contempt by enforcing her suspension despite the standing court order.
Appearing on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Charles Yoila urged the court to dismiss the case entirely, citing a pending motion that challenges the court’s jurisdiction.
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Counsel for the Senate, Chikasolu Ojukwu (SAN) and J. Daudu (SAN), backed the preliminary objections and asserted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had breached the court’s order restricting media commentary.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) also pressed the court to sustain his preliminary objection, contending that the matter had become merely academic. In the alternative, he called for the case to be dismissed and asked the court to entertain his request to strike out what he described as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “satirical apology” shared online.
Legal representatives for the Senate Committee chair echoed these positions, likewise urging the court to dismiss the suit.
After hearing all submissions, Justice Binta Nyako stated that she would first rule on the contempt applications filed by both sides before delivering judgment on the substantive case.
She added that if the defendants’ preliminary objections are upheld, the matter would be concluded at that stage.
The court then adjourned proceedings until June 27, 2025, for judgment.
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