Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a contempt charge against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly ignoring a court order related to her suspension. The charge also names the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as parties involved.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims her six-month suspension violated a court order issued on March 4, 2025, which prevented the Senate from investigating her alleged misconduct. The misconduct stemmed from an incident during the February 20 plenary session.
A notice of disobedience, signed by the court’s registrar under the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warned Akpabio, Imasuem, and the Clerk that their actions could lead to imprisonment for contempt of court. The notice stated that despite being served with an interim injunction on March 5, the defendants “deliberately ignored” the court’s order and proceeded with their actions in “clear defiance of the court’s authority.”
Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier ruled that any actions taken against Akpoti-Uduaghan while the case was ongoing would be “null, void, and without effect.” The court also allowed her to serve legal documents to the defendants through alternative methods, such as posting them at the National Assembly or publishing them in national newspapers.
In response, Akpabio has challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the judiciary cannot interfere in Senate matters.
The case has been adjourned until March 25 for further proceedings.
