Court to Rule June 27 in Senator Natasha’s Suit Against Senate Suspension

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed June 27, 2025, to deliver judgment in a suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her suspension by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The suit, instituted by the Kogi Central senator, lists as defendants the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Committee Chairman Senator Nedamwen Imasuen.

Justice Nyako announced the judgment date after hearing final arguments from both parties. She also disclosed that rulings would be delivered the same day on contempt proceedings filed against Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio for allegedly violating court orders.

The Senate’s lead counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of breaching a restraining order by posting a satirical apology on Facebook. Her legal team, led by Michael Numan, countered the claim, alleging similar violations by Akpabio through public endorsements by senior lawyers Olisah Agbakoba and Monday Ubani.

Justice Nyako had, on April 4, issued an order restraining all parties — including Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio, and the Senate — from granting interviews or making social media posts related to the case.

While adopting his final written address, Numan urged the court to grant relief in favour of his client and overturn the Senate Committee’s suspension decision. Meanwhile, the Senate and its leadership challenged the court’s jurisdiction and sought dismissal of the suit.

The conflict began during a February 20 plenary session, where a disagreement over seating arrangements between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated into a public feud. Akpoti-Uduaghan later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment in an interview with ARISE News.

She filed a suit at the Federal High Court to stop the Senate Ethics Committee from probing her conduct — a process that led to her six-month suspension, based on the Committee’s recommendations.

The matter was initially assigned to Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, who recused himself following allegations from Akpabio’s camp.

All eyes are now on June 27, when the court will determine both the legality of the suspension and the alleged contempt of its order.