Senator Natasha Files Contempt Charge Against Akpabio Over Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a contempt charge against Senate President Godswill Akpabio following her suspension from the Senate for six months. The charge, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under Form 48, also names the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

Akpoti-Uduaghan contends that her suspension violates a court order issued on March 4, which restrained the Senate and its leadership from taking any disciplinary action against her. The court, in a notice signed by its Registrar under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warned that disobeying the order could lead to imprisonment. The notice states that the defendants “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded” the court’s directive, despite receiving a duly served copy of the interim injunction on March 5.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the original injunction following an ex-parte application by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Michael Numa. The order halted the Senate Committee’s investigation into allegations of misconduct against the senator stemming from the February 20 plenary session, pending the full hearing of the matter.

The court also asked the defendants to show cause as to why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to prevent any further disciplinary steps against Akpoti-Uduaghan that could undermine her legislative privileges as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, the Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. The judge emphasized that any actions taken while the matter is before the court would be rendered null and void.

Justice Egwuatu further granted permission for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the defendants through substituted means, including delivery to the Clerk of the National Assembly, posting the documents at the National Assembly complex, or publishing them in two national newspapers.

Senate President Akpabio, in response, has challenged the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that the judiciary lacks authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the Senate.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 25.