Justice Nyako Sets June 27 For Final Judgment In Suspended Senator Natasha’s Suit Against Senate

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, approached the court after the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, suspended her on allegations of misconduct. She contends that the disciplinary action was unjust, politically motivated, and laced with bias.

The legal challenge lists as defendants the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

The case was initially assigned to Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who later recused himself. It was subsequently reassigned to Justice Nyako.

When the matter came up for hearing on Monday, May 13, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead counsel, Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), confirmed that the plaintiff had complied with the court’s directive to file all relevant documents. Counsel to the Senate and Senate President, Paul Daudu and Ekwo Ejembi, also informed the court that they had submitted their documents in response.

However, the defence raised concerns about an alleged breach of a court order by the plaintiff. They argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan committed contempt of court by posting a satirical apology addressed to the Senate President on her Facebook page and publishing it in national newspapers on March 27.

“The plaintiff responded to our motion,” the defence lawyers noted, referring to her actions after the contempt allegation.

Responding, another counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, Michael Numan, acknowledged receiving the motion but argued that the statement attributed to his client had no link to her, stressing that the “alleged contemptuous statement had no nexus with the plaintiff.”

Numan also reminded the court that the plaintiff had earlier filed a similar contempt motion against the defendants, accusing them of violating a subsisting court order.

Justice Nyako, after listening to all parties, reserved judgment and set June 27 as the date for final ruling on the matter.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was present in court for the proceedings.