Akpabio, right, smd Natasha
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Files Contempt Charged Against Akpabio, Others
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and other Senate officials, face imprisonment for allegedly defying a court order, as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has commenced contempt proceedings against the Senate.
In a notice of disobedience of court order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Registrar of the Court, citing Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warned the defendants of their willful disregard for the court’s directive.
The notice, dated March 4, 2025, was issued in response to a suit (No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the President of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem.
The court emphasized that the defendants’ failure to comply with the order renders them liable for contempt, which could result in imprisonment unless they adhere to the court’s directive. Despite being served the order on March 5, 2025, the defendants allegedly proceeded with actions that directly defied the court’s authority.
The Form 48 notice stated: “Take notice that your willful disobedience of the court order issued by Hon. Justice O.A. Egwuatu on March 4, 2025, makes you liable for contempt, which may lead to imprisonment unless you comply. Despite being served the order on March 5, 2025, you have deliberately disregarded the court’s binding directive.”
The court had earlier granted an interim injunction restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from investigating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct during a plenary session on February 20, 2025.
The court also ordered the defendants to show cause why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued to halt the investigation, pending the determination of the case.
The court further declared that any actions taken by the defendants during the pendency of the suit would be null and void.
The case stems from a motion ex parte filed on February 28, 2025, and heard on March 4, 2025, seeking to protect Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional privileges and rights under the Senate Standing Order 2023 and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
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