A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The order was granted by the presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team. The court’s decision, which was made public on Wednesday, prohibits the committee from investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct related to a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20, 2025.
In the court order, it was directed that the plaintiff be allowed to serve the respondents through substituted means, either by delivery through the Clerk of the National Assembly or by posting the summons at the premises of the National Assembly, as well as publishing it in two national dailies.
Additionally, the court issued an interim injunction restraining the Senate’s Ethics Committee from continuing with the investigation, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction. The court also ordered the defendants to show cause within 72 hours why the injunction should not be made permanent.
The dispute stems from an incident on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Akpabio over her seat allocation during a plenary session. Despite being overruled, Akpoti-Uduaghan persisted in raising points of order. The incident led to accusations that her actions tarnished the image of the Senate. As a result, the Senate referred the matter to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary action.
