THE lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a contempt proceeding before a Federal High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem.
Senator Natasha’s action is sequel to the six-month suspension slammed on her by Senate leadership headed by Apkabio. If granted, the trio will be committed to three months in prison without an option of a fine.
In the Form 48 (contempt charge) filed on her behalf by her counsel, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that her suspension directly violates a court order issued on 4 March 2025 which restrained the defendants from taking such action against her.
It will be recalled that in response to her earlier application, the court, through a notice signed by its Registrar under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warned the defendants of the consequences of defying its directive. The notice states that their continued disregard for the order could result in imprisonment.
According to Form 48, the defendants “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded” the court’s directive and acted in defiance of its authority. It was further alleged that an enrolled copy of the interim injunction was duly served on them on 5 March 2025.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier issued the injunction following an ex-parte application by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Michael Numa (SAN).The order restrained the Senate Committee from proceeding with its investigation into the senator’s alleged misconduct related to events at the 20 February plenary session, pending a full hearing of the case.
Additionally, the court directed the defendants to justify why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued against them, preventing any disciplinary action that would infringe upon Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative privileges under the Nigerian Constitution, Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. It further declared that any action taken while the case remains pending would be null and void.
Justice Egwuatu also permitted Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve court documents on the defendants through substituted means, such as delivering them to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasting them at the National Assembly premises, or publishing them in two national newspapers.
In response, Senate President Akpabio challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that it has no authority to interfere in Senate matters.
Further hearings on the case are scheduled for 25 March 2025
Eighteen-Eleven Media