A Federal High Court in Abuja has blocked the Senate from disciplining Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over a February 20 altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The ruling follows her claims of facing retaliation for rejecting Akpabio’s alleged advances. The case raises questions about Senate authority and judicial oversight.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Nigerian Senate from proceeding with disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Tuesday, follows an ex parte application by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, effectively blocking the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking further steps in the case.
The controversy began on February 20, when Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The senator reportedly refused to accept her designated seat and insisted on raising a point of order despite being overruled multiple times. The Senate leadership subsequently referred her to the disciplinary committee for review.
The situation escalated further when Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a February 28 interview on Arise TV, claimed that her issues in the Senate stemmed from her rejection of alleged inappropriate advances from Akpabio. The accusation has fueled political tensions, drawing reactions from lawmakers and the public.
With the court’s injunction in place, the Senate’s ability to proceed with disciplinary measures is now uncertain. Legal experts suggest the ruling could set a precedent for legislative authority versus judicial intervention. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan's supporters view the decision as a victory for legislative independence and women’s rights.
The Senate has yet to issue an official response, while political observers anticipate further legal and political developments in the coming weeks.
