Court Stops Senate from Investigating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

By James Ajibade//

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team.

According to the court order obtained on Wednesday, the judge permitted the plaintiff to serve the defendants with the originating summons and related documents through substituted means. This includes serving them via the Clerk of the National Assembly or by pasting the documents on the premises of the National Assembly and publishing the notice in two national dailies.

The court also issued an interim injunction restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with its investigation into the alleged misconduct of Akpoti-Uduaghan. This order remains in effect pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

Additionally, the court directed the defendants to show cause within 72 hours of being served with the order as to why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted against them. The ruling emphasized that any proceedings against the senator must align with the privileges stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

The controversy arose from a confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20 over seat allocation. The Kogi Central senator rejected her assigned seat and repeatedly raised a point of order, defying Akpabio’s rulings.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) later raised concerns, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions had tarnished the Senate’s image. Following deliberations, the Senate referred the matter to its Ethics Committee for review.

During last Tuesday’s plenary, senators unanimously approved the disciplinary review through a voice vote called by Akpabio. The committee was tasked with investigating the matter and presenting its findings.

With the court’s ruling, the Senate’s disciplinary proceedings remain on hold, pending further judicial deliberations.