The Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned its previous ruling that prevented the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate.
The decision, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Wednesday, March 20, clears the way for the Senate’s six-month suspension of the lawmaker to remain in effect.
This ruling brings a sense of order and clarity to the ongoing dispute, as the court no longer stands in the way of the Senate’s internal disciplinary process.
The case, however, remains ongoing, with further hearings scheduled for March 25.
The legal battle began when Natasha Akpoti sought the court’s intervention through an ex-parte motion, urging it to halt an investigation into allegations of misconduct leveled against her by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, led by Senator Neda Imasuem.
Following her request, Justice Egwuatu, on March 4, issued an interim order restraining the Senate from taking any disciplinary action against her.
The court also ruled that any move to suspend her while the case was pending would be considered null and void.
However, in an unexpected turn, the Senate proceeded to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, citing misconduct during the February 20 plenary session.
This defiance of the court order prompted the senator to file a contempt charge, arguing that her suspension directly violated the earlier ruling.
The Senate, through its legal counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), challenged the March 4 ruling, arguing that it was too vague and interfered with the legislature’s duties, thereby breaching the principle of separation of powers.
On the other hand, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), maintained that the Senate had willfully disobeyed the court’s directive and urged the court to dismiss its defense.
After listening to both sides, Justice Egwuatu vacated the previous injunction, allowing the Senate’s suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan to stand.
While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains in effect, the legal proceedings are far from over.
The court has adjourned the case until March 25, when further applications will be heard.
While some may see the court’s reversal as a setback for Akpoti-Uduaghan, it also opens the door for a more structured resolution of the case in a way that aligns with legislative procedures.
