A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from continuing its investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team. The committee had been preparing to hold a hearing that could have led to the senator’s indefinite suspension.
With this court order, all disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan have been put on hold until further judicial review. The ruling also requires the Senate and its committee members to respond within 72 hours, explaining why a more permanent injunction should not be issued.
The court’s decision came after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers argued that the investigation could violate her rights and legislative privileges. The judge agreed to grant an interim injunction, preventing the committee from taking any action against her while the case is still being considered.
The dispute stems from events that occurred during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025. Following these events, the Senate referred the matter to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on February 25, 2025, for investigation. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the process in court, arguing that she had not been given a fair opportunity to defend herself.
The court’s order also allows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team to serve the necessary legal documents on the Senate leadership through the Clerk of the National Assembly. If necessary, they may also deliver the documents by posting them at the National Assembly or publishing them in two national newspapers.
As the legal battle continues, the court’s ruling provides temporary relief for the senator, preventing any immediate disciplinary action. However, the case remains unresolved, and further hearings will determine the final outcome. The Senate is now required to respond to the court’s directives, and its next steps will be closely watched.
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