The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed a lawsuit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, to March 25, 2025. This decision comes after the Senate suspended her for six months, despite a previous court order that prevented its ethics committee from investigating her.
Senator Natasha has been involved in a conflict with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during which she accused him of sexual harassment. In her court filing, she sought an order to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from probing her.
Last week, the court granted that order, but on Thursday, the Senate moved forward with suspending Natasha based on the committee’s report.
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During the court proceedings, lawyers for the Senate and Akpabio claimed they had not been properly served with documents related to the case. In response, Natasha’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), stated that all parties had been served and provided affidavits of service. After reviewing the affidavits, Justice Obiora Egwatu confirmed that all defendants had indeed been notified.
Senate President Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, requested an adjournment to allow all legal documents to be organized, a request supported by the other attorneys involved. Justice Egwatu agreed and scheduled the next court date for March 25, 2025, instructing that all relevant documents be served to the parties before this date.
Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwaebonyi, attended the court session and emphasized the importance of proper legal processes, stating that all parties must be adequately informed to prepare their responses. He also expressed concerns about the court’s involvement in Senate matters, noting that the Senate acted in accordance with the law and its responsibility as an institution.
