Sen. Natasha files contempt case against Akpabio, others over suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio following her six-month suspension.

She filed a contempt charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, also naming the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as defendants.

Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her suspension was a clear violation of an existing court order issued on March 4.

In response, the court issued a notice of disobedience, signed by its Registrar, in line with Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004.

The notice warned that Akpabio, Imasuem, and the National Assembly Clerk could face imprisonment for contempt if they failed to comply with the court’s ruling.

According to legal documents seen by ThisDay Nigeria on Thursday, the defendants allegedly “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded” the court’s directive.

The enrolled order of the interim injunction was reportedly served on them on March 5.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier issued an order preventing the Senate Committee from proceeding with its investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct, which stemmed from a plenary session on February 20, 2025.

The court instructed the Senate to explain why an injunction should not be granted to stop any disciplinary actions against her.

Furthermore, the judge ruled that any action taken while the case was ongoing would be “null, void, and of no effect.”

He also permitted Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve legal documents on the defendants through substituted means, including publication in national newspapers or pasting them at the National Assembly.

In response, Akpabio has challenged the court’s authority to interfere in Senate affairs.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on March 25.