Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has set June 27, 2025, as the date to deliver judgment in the suit filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenging her suspension by the Senate.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the court to contest her suspension, which was ordered by the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over alleged misconduct.
In her suit, she joined the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, as defendants.
The case was reassigned to Justice Nyako after Justice Obiorah Egwuatu recused himself from the matter. At Monday’s hearing, her lawyer, Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), informed the court that all necessary documents had been filed in compliance with the court’s directives.
Counsel for the Senate and the Senate President—Paul Daudu (SAN) and Ekwo Ejembi—confirmed the filing of their responses but raised a motion accusing the senator of contempt. They alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan violated a court order by publishing a satirical apology letter addressed to Akpabio on her Facebook page and in national newspapers on March 27.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Michael Numan (SAN), dismissed the claims, arguing that the statement had no direct link to the senator and lacked sufficient grounds for contempt.
The court is now set to deliver its ruling on June 27, which could determine whether the Senate acted within its powers in suspending the lawmaker or if her rights were violated in the process.
