By Prosper Mene
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 27, 2025, to deliver a final judgment in the high-profile legal battle involving suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator is challenging her six-month suspension from the Senate, which she alleges was unjust, biased, and a violation of her right to a fair hearing.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, stems from a contentious dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marked by allegations of misconduct, sexual harassment, and defamation. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March 2025 followed a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct report, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, citing alleged gross misconduct. The senator claims the disciplinary process was unfair and politically motivated, naming the National Assembly, the Senate, Akpabio, and Imasuen as defendants in her suit.
During Monday’s hearing, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), informed the court that all required documents had been submitted as per prior directives. The team urged the court to invalidate the suspension, arguing it defied a valid court order. Okutekpa emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the six-month suspension period was time-sensitive.
The hearing also addressed contempt claims filed by both parties. Akpabio accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of breaching a gag order issued by Justice Nyako on April 4, 2025, which barred all parties from making public statements about the case, particularly regarding sexual harassment allegations. The Senate President’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), pointed to a satirical apology posted by Akpoti-Uduaghan on social media on April 27, where she mockingly apologized for “maintaining dignity and self-respect.” They argued this violated the court’s directive and requested that she delete the post and issue a written apology in two national newspapers.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numan (SAN), countered with an earlier contempt motion against Akpabio, the Senate, and others, alleging they disobeyed a court order by proceeding with the suspension despite ongoing litigation. Numan argued that a statement attributed to Akpoti-Uduaghan had “no connection” to her and did not constitute contempt. Justice Nyako, after hearing submissions from both sides, adjourned the case to June 27 for a final ruling on the suspension suit, contempt claims, and preliminary objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The case originated before Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, who recused himself on March 25, 2025, following accusations of bias from Akpabio. Egwuatu had initially granted an ex-parte motion on March 4, halting the Senate’s disciplinary proceedings, but later vacated an order declaring the suspension null after the Senate proceeded on March 6. The case was reassigned to Justice Nyako, who has maintained strict oversight, including barring media interviews and social media posts to prevent prejudicing the case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, first aired publicly in February 2025 during a Senate seating arrangement dispute, have fueled debates about the treatment of female lawmakers. Her subsequent international media appearances, including interviews with BBC and Sky News, and a speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in New York, have amplified the controversy, prompting accusations of political victimization.
Akpabio has denied the harassment allegations, and his wife, Ekaette Akpabio, has filed defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking ₦350 billion in damages. The senator, in turn, has sued Akpabio and his aide for ₦100 billion over defamatory social media posts. These related suits remain pending, adding layers to the ongoing saga.
As the June 27 judgment date approaches, Nigerians await an end to a case that has exposed tensions within the Senate and sparked broader conversations about justice, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s political sphere.
