The Federal High Court has adjourned Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit against the Senate to March 25. The senator, seeking to block an investigation by the Senate’s ethics committee, was suspended over allegations of gross misconduct. Her legal team argues the committee dismissed her petition without due process.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed hearing on the legal battle involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, until March 25. The case revolves around her request for an injunction to prevent the Senate's ethics and privileges committee from investigating her.
The dispute started after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate of unfairly suspending her for six months following a heated disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The incident, which occurred in February, centered around a seating arrangement issue, with Akpoti-Uduaghan later accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. In response, the Senate suspended her for "gross misconduct."
In court on Monday, the presiding judge, Obiora Egwatu, confirmed that all parties involved in the case had been duly served with legal documents. Despite this, lawyers for the Senate sought more time to harmonize their processes. Counsel for the Senate president argued that an adjournment was necessary for an efficient hearing, which the judge granted.
The suspension followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation that the ethics committee mishandled her petition, dismissing it due to procedural issues. The court's intervention is seen as a significant move, as some Senate members, like Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwaebonyi, criticized the judiciary for intervening in the Senate's internal affairs.
The case remains pending, with both parties awaiting the next hearing date.
