The Federal High Court in Abuja is set for a dramatic showdown today, Tuesday, May 13, as it hears a barrage of contempt applications filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) against the leadership of the Nigerian Senate, including its President, Godswill Akpabio, over her contentious suspension from legislative duties.
The high-stakes suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, names the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen—Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct—as defendants. The case is rapidly becoming a litmus test for the rule of law in Nigeria’s legislative arm.
At Monday’s resumed hearing, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Okutekpa, counsel to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, informed presiding Justice Binta Nyako that all required filings had been completed in line with the court’s earlier directives. Justice Nyako recently assumed control of the case following the recusal of Justice Obiorah Egwuatu.
Counsel for the Senate and Akpabio—Paul Daudu (SAN) and Ekwo Ejembi Ekwo—confirmed their defense submissions but fired back with a counter-motion, accusing the embattled Senator of flouting the court’s interim orders. They pointed to a satirical “apology letter” allegedly published on Facebook and in national dailies on March 27, 2025, which mocked Akpabio and allegedly undermined the integrity of the court process.
In a sharp rebuttal, Michael Numan (SAN), also representing Akpoti-Uduaghan, dismissed the allegations, arguing that the publication in question was not sanctioned by his client and had no bearing on her conduct. He further reminded the court that it was the Senate and its leadership who were in contempt, having allegedly ignored earlier court orders aimed at preserving her legislative rights.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team is pressing the court to impose sanctions on the Senate and its top officials for what they term an “illegal suspension” and persistent “disobedience of lawful court directives.”
In a firm ruling, Justice Nyako underlined the gravity of the contempt allegations and ordered a consolidated hearing of all pending motions, including the main suit, to commence today at noon.
Meanwhile, in a surprising twist, Senate President Akpabio has distanced prominent legal titans—Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Monday Ubani (SAN)—from the defense team, as pressure mounts over the legality of the Senate’s disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
As legal fireworks intensify in what is fast becoming a precedent-setting case, observers await the court’s ruling with bated breath. Will justice be served, or will political power eclipse due process once again?
PIONEER NEWS 