Court Hears Senator Natasha’s Contempt Case Against Senate, Akpabio In Suspension Suit
The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a series of contempt application on Tuesday (today) in the ongoing legal battle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) and the leadership of the Nigerian Senate over her suspension.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, lists the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, as defendants.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), informed Justice Binta Nyako — now handling the case after Justice Obiorah Egwuatu’s withdrawal — that all relevant documents had been filed in compliance with earlier court directives.
Lawyers representing the Senate and Senate President, Paul Daudu (SAN) and Ekwo Ejembi Ekwo, respectively, also confirmed filing their defense documents.
However, they raised a motion accusing the plaintiff of disobeying court orders by publishing a satirical apology letter to Akpabio on Facebook and in national newspapers on March 27, 2025.
Michael Numan (SAN), also representing the plaintiff, acknowledged receiving the motion but insisted the publication in question was not connected to his client.
He reminded the court of an earlier contempt application filed against the defendants, accusing them of defying court orders
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team is seeking sanctions against the Senate and its leadership for what they describe as an unlawful suspension and disregard for judicial directives.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nyako emphasised the importance of addressing the contempt issues before proceeding and adjourned the matter till today, Tuesday, May 13, at noon for a consolidated hearing of all pending motions and the substantive suit.
Meanwhile, Akpabio distanced senior lawyers Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Monday Ubani (SAN), in the defence of an alleged unlawful suspension suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
