Court Reverses Order On Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Case

Presiding over the case, Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the ruling on Wednesday, setting aside his previous order that had barred further actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan while her case remained unresolved.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a motion ex parte (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), naming the Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS), the Senate, Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as defendants. She sought an interim injunction to prevent the Senate from proceeding with an investigation against her over allegations arising from a February 20, 2025, plenary session.

On March 4, 2025, Justice Egwuatu granted the ex parte motion, instructing the defendants not to take further action against her until a decision was made on the interlocutory injunction. However, on March 6, 2025, the Senate went ahead with a six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing breaches of Senate rules.

At the hearing on Wednesday, counsel for the Senate, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), adopted a motion filed on March 17, 2025, requesting the court to either discharge or stay the effect of Order No. 4 issued on March 4. He argued that the order was vague and prevented the Senate from fulfilling its constitutional duties.

“By section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is empowered to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the country,” Ojukwu stated. He contended that the order effectively restrained the Senate from performing its legislative functions, leading to a constitutional crisis.

The legal teams for the Senate President and other defendants aligned with Ojukwu’s arguments and urged the court to set aside the order. Conversely, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), opposed the motion, describing the Senate’s actions as “clear legislative recklessness.”

In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu stated that reversing Order No. 4 would not prejudice Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case. However, he declined to nullify the March 4 proceedings entirely, as the defense had not formally requested such relief.

“I set aside Order 4 made on 4th March 2025,” the judge declared. He then scheduled March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked debates within the political sphere. The situation escalated following her public accusation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging inappropriate advances during a private visit in December 2023. This accusation came shortly after a contentious reassignment of her Senate seat, which she resisted, leading to her suspension.

Despite attempts by some senators to reduce her suspension to three months, the Senate upheld the six-month penalty. As a result, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been stripped of her salary, allowances, and security details.

While some lawmakers defend the suspension as a necessary enforcement of legislative discipline, critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent for stifling dissent within the Senate.

With the next hearing set for March 25, all eyes remain on the judiciary to determine whether the court will reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative privileges or uphold the Senate’s decision.