Senate Drama Escalates: Akpabio Faces Possible Jail Time Over Controversial Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of defying a court order related to her suspension from the Senate. She has filed a contempt application at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the Senate’s decision to suspend her despite a valid court ruling.

In Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan is the plaintiff, while the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senate President Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem, are named as the defendants. The lawsuit accuses them of violating an existing judicial order.

On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu had issued an ex-parte order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with any disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The order was granted based on an ex-parte application supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit filed by her legal team on March 3 and argued the following day. Justice Egwuatu ruled that any action taken by the Senate while the suit was pending would be considered null and void.

Despite this clear judicial directive, the Senate proceeded with the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing alleged misconduct. As part of the suspension, the Senate ordered her office to be sealed and directed her to surrender all official Senate property to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The decision was based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South.

The disciplinary proceedings stemmed from a confrontation that took place on February 20, 2025, between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. Following the incident, the committee initiated an investigation that led to her suspension, despite the court order prohibiting such action.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team filed a Form 48 Notice of Disobedience of Court Order at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The notice was filed under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2004, and invokes the inherent jurisdiction of the court. It serves as a formal warning of the legal consequences of ignoring the court’s directive.

The court document, dated March 7, 2025, and signed by the registrar, was obtained by journalists on Thursday. It explicitly warns the defendants about the repercussions of their actions. The notice states that their “willful disobedience” of Justice Egwuatu’s order could result in contempt proceedings, which may lead to imprisonment unless they comply with the ruling.

The document further emphasizes that the defendants, despite receiving the enrolled court order on March 5, have “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded” its directives. It asserts that their actions amount to a blatant defiance of the court’s authority. A copy of the court order was attached to the notice for reference.

The legal battle over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension now escalates with the contempt proceedings. If the court rules in her favor, it could lead to serious legal consequences for those found guilty of disobeying the court’s order. Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to publicly respond to the contempt application.