Court Halts Senate Probe into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
In a significant legal intervention, the Abuja Federal High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with its investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Tuesday, follows an ex parte application filed by the senator’s legal team, effectively stalling the committee’s deliberations.
The embattled senator, who represents Kogi Central, has been at the center of a growing controversy following the reassignment of her seat during a Senate session on February 20, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan viewed the move as an orchestrated attempt to undermine her influence and suppress her contributions. Her refusal to accept the reassignment led to a tense confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who subsequently directed the sergeant-at-arms to enforce the seating arrangement.
Chief Whip Tahir Monguno defended the change, citing Senate rules that allow for seat reassignments based on shifts in party affiliations among lawmakers. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defiance prompted the Senate to unanimously refer her to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary review, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun. The committee was given two weeks to submit its findings, raising concerns that the senator could face indefinite suspension.
In a bold counteroffensive, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Senate President Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick, filing a N100 billion defamation lawsuit. The suit alleges that a Facebook post, allegedly written by Patrick at Akpabio’s direction, contained defamatory remarks about the senator’s legislative competence and personal appearance. The lawsuit demands financial damages and a public apology, arguing that the publication subjected her to public ridicule and reputational harm.
With the court’s intervention, the Senate’s disciplinary process remains in limbo, pending further judicial review. The case underscores ongoing tensions within the upper legislative chamber, highlighting deeper political rivalries and power struggles that continue to shape the Nigerian Senate.
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Court Halts Senate Probe into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan