Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
The lawmaker filed a contempt charge in the Federal High Court in Abuja following her six-month suspension by the Senate. She argues that her suspension violates a subsisting court order issued on March 4.
The court, through a notice signed by its Registrar under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warned that disobedience to its order could result in contempt charges against the defendants.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier issued an interim injunction restraining the Senate Committee from proceeding with its investigation into alleged misconduct by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. This investigation stemmed from events during a plenary session on February 20. The court emphasized that any actions taken during the pendency of the suit would be null and void.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team claims that despite being served with the court's order on March 5, the defendants continued to act in defiance. The court had also permitted her to serve legal processes through substituted means, such as delivering them to the Clerk of the National Assembly or publishing them in national newspapers.
The Senate President has challenged the court's jurisdiction over legislative matters. Meanwhile, proceedings in the case have been adjourned until March 25.
This legal battle follows Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial suspension for alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with Senate seating arrangements.
