The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings to Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for a definitive hearing on the contempt claims filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Binta Nyako fixed the new date after the second and third defendants informed the court of their application alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan had disobeyed existing court orders.
The dispute stems from a disagreement during a Senate plenary on February 20, which escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a television interview, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. In response to subsequent Senate actions, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating or disciplining her.
In her ex parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, she named the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the committee chairman, Senator Nedamwen Imasuen, as defendants.
On March 4, the court granted a temporary restraining order preventing the Senate from initiating any disciplinary measures against her. However, just two days later, on March 6, the Senate went ahead and suspended her, citing a committee report alleging gross misconduct, despite the matter being before the court.
On April 4, Justice Nyako issued a gag order directing all parties, including Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, to refrain from granting media interviews or making social media posts about the case while proceedings are ongoing. This was in response to Akpabio’s legal team accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of violating the court’s directive by continuing to speak publicly about the matter.
During Monday’s sitting, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Jibrin Okutekpa, informed the court that all necessary filings had been completed and that the matter was ripe for hearing. Legal representatives for all defendants, including Charles Yoila (1st defendant), Paul Daudu (2nd), Ekoh Ejembi (SAN, 3rd), and Valentine Offia (4th), confirmed their readiness to proceed.
However, Daudu raised a fresh concern, informing the court that Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently posted a satirical apology on her Facebook page, in what he described as a clear violation of the court’s gag order.
“We are prepared for today’s hearing and have submitted our schedule. However, I received a further affidavit from the plaintiff on Friday, and I am entitled to respond. More importantly, despite the court’s directive, the plaintiff posted a satirical message on Facebook, which we consider a breach,” Daudu stated.
The court will resume on May 13 for the substantive hearing.Justice Nyako acknowledged the submissions and urged all parties to strictly adhere to her previous orders to avoid contempt proceedings that could hinder the course of justice. She emphasized the court’s commitment to ensuring due process and maintaining decorum throughout the trial.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of the contempt proceedings could significantly impact the larger constitutional questions surrounding legislative authority, free speech, and due process within the Senate. Observers say the case could set a precedent for handling internal parliamentary disputes that escalate to allegations of rights violations and institutional overreach.
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