A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate until March 25, 2025. The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, had sought a court order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her.
Justice Obiora Egwatu, who presided over the case, confirmed that all defendants had been served with the necessary court processes. However, during Monday’s proceedings, counsel for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, requested an adjournment to allow for the harmonization of legal processes. Other defense counsels supported the request, arguing that it would ensure an expedited hearing at the next sitting.
Despite the court’s earlier ruling to halt the probe, the Senate proceeded to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on Thursday, citing the report of the Ethics and Privileges Committee. The suspension followed a dispute between the senator and Senate President Akpabio, during which she accused him of sexual harassment.
The court has now scheduled further proceedings for March 25, instructing that all relevant documents be properly served before the adjourned date.
Speaking after the court session, the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, Peter Nwaebonyi, defended the legislative body’s actions, emphasizing that the Senate was a law-abiding institution that had merely responded to the court’s directive. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team argues that her suspension directly violates the court’s previous ruling, raising concerns about judicial defiance by the upper chamber.
