The Federal High Court in Abuja has reversed its earlier ruling that blocked the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the lawmaker and the legislative chamber.
Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu lifted the previous injunction that had restrained the Senate from taking any disciplinary action against the senator, effectively clearing the way for her suspension to stand.
The legal dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the court seeking protection from the Senate’s investigation into alleged misconduct. She filed an ex-parte motion urging the court to halt an ongoing probe initiated by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which is chaired by Senator Neda Imasuem.
In response to her plea, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order restraining the Senate from suspending the senator or taking any punitive measures against her while the case was still under judicial review.
The court also stated that any action taken against Akpoti-Uduaghan in defiance of its ruling would be considered null and void, emphasizing the importance of judicial authority in legislative matters.
Despite the court's directive, the Senate proceeded with disciplinary action and, on March 6, officially suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The decision was reportedly linked to allegations of misconduct related to her actions during the February 20 plenary session, which sparked controversy within the legislative body.
Following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan swiftly filed a contempt charge against the Senate, arguing that the move was a direct violation of the court’s earlier order. Her legal team insisted that the legislative chamber had deliberately ignored the court’s authority and urged the judge to declare the suspension unlawful.
On behalf of the Senate, lead counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) defended the suspension, challenging the initial injunction. Ojukwu argued that the court’s previous order was “vague and overreaching”, asserting that it interfered with the Senate’s internal legislative functions, which are protected under the doctrine of separation of powers.
Conversely, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), maintained that the Senate had blatantly disregarded a court directive. He urged the court to uphold the principle of judicial supremacy and reject the legislative body's justifications for the suspension.
After listening to the arguments from both parties, Justice Egwuatu decided to vacate the previous injunction, effectively upholding the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan. The ruling grants the Senate full authority to enforce its disciplinary action against the senator without any further legal restrictions at this stage.
The case remains ongoing, and the court has adjourned proceedings to March 25 for further hearings on other pending legal applications related to the matter. Observers and political analysts continue to watch closely as the legal battle unfolds, with significant implications for legislative discipline and judicial oversight in Nigeria.