Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday, May 13, as the court heard contempt claims filed between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Binta Nyako presided over the proceedings, during which she addressed the mutual contempt applications—one filed by Akpabio against Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly flouting a court order, and another filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio and the Senate for alleged disobedience to an earlier directive.
The court also heard the substantive suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her six-month suspension from the Senate. The senator, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 8 over allegations of misconduct, including disrupting Senate proceedings and accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment during a live television appearance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her suspension contravenes an earlier order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which barred any punitive action against her pending the conclusion of the legal process.
During the resumed hearing, her counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), adopted his written submissions and urged the court to dismiss all preliminary objections raised by the defence. He asked the court to grant the reliefs sought by his client and to reject the contempt application filed against her. Numa further argued that the existing court order restricting media comments did not apply to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public statements on the sexual harassment allegations. He accused the Senate of acting in contempt by proceeding with her suspension in defiance of the court’s directive.
Meanwhile, Charles Yoila, counsel for the Clerk of the National Assembly, raised a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction and urged it to strike out the case entirely.
Also speaking for the defendants, lawyers Chikasolu Ojukwu (SAN) and J. Daudu (SAN), representing the Senate, maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated the court order and supported the preliminary objections. Counsel to Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), asked the court to uphold his objection on the grounds that the matter had become academic. Alternatively, he urged the court to dismiss the suit and consider striking out Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “satirical apology” posted online. The legal team for the Senate committee chair echoed similar arguments, calling for the suit to be dismissed.
After listening to all parties, Justice Nyako announced that the court would address the contempt claims before moving to the substantive matter. She stated that if any of the preliminary objections succeed, the case would be terminated accordingly.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to June 27, 2025, for judgment.