Court Suspends Senate Investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order preventing the Senate Ethics Committee from proceeding with its investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision, granted by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Tuesday, follows an ex parte application filed by the senator’s legal team, effectively suspending the probe.

The Senate committee had been preparing to deliberate on the matter, which could have led to an indefinite suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. However, the court’s ruling puts all proceedings on hold pending further judicial review.

The dispute began on February 20, 2025, during a Senate session when Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her designated seat had been reassigned without prior notice. She viewed this move as an attempt to undermine her role and silence her contributions in the chamber. In protest, she refused to take the new seat, leading to a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Chief Whip Tahir Monguno defended the seat reassignment, stating that it was in line with Senate rules and recent party realignments. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not accept this explanation, and tensions escalated into a heated exchange between her and Akpabio.

Following the incident, the Senate unanimously decided to refer Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary action. The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, was expected to submit its findings within two weeks. However, the court’s intervention has now delayed this process.

In response to the ongoing dispute, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Senate President Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick. She has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking ₦100 billion in damages. The lawsuit alleges that a Facebook post, allegedly written at Akpabio’s direction, contained defamatory remarks about her legislative competence and personal appearance.

Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that the post subjected her to public ridicule, damaging her reputation. In addition to financial compensation, she is demanding a public apology from Akpabio and his aide.

With the court order temporarily halting the Senate Ethics Committee’s proceedings, the case is now set for further judicial review, leaving the next steps in the dispute uncertain.