The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria has set aside its previous order halting the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu vacated the ruling on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both parties in the case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially sought an ex-parte order to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, led by Senator Neda Imasuem, from probing allegations of misconduct against her. In her suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, she listed the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, its President, and the committee chairman as defendants.
On March 4, Justice Egwuatu granted an interim injunction stopping any disciplinary action against her, declaring any decisions made while the case was pending as null and void. However, the Senate proceeded to suspend her for six months on March 6, citing misconduct during the February 20 plenary session.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge, arguing that the Senate’s action violated the court’s directive. The Senate, through its counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), challenged the injunction, calling it vague and an overreach into legislative matters. Ojukwu argued that enforcing the order would interfere with the Senate’s constitutional powers and breach the separation of powers doctrine.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the Senate’s challenge, maintaining that the legislative body had deliberately disobeyed a valid court order.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Egwuatu ruled to set aside the previous order, effectively upholding the Senate’s decision.
The case has been adjourned until March 25 for further hearings on pending applications.
