The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Tuesday, followed an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team. The court directed the committee to suspend its investigation into the senator’s alleged misconduct pending the determination of the interlocutory injunction.
The disciplinary probe stemmed from a heated altercation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20, 2025, over the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber. The disagreement prompted a motion by Senator Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu, referring the matter to the committee.
The court also ordered the defendants, including the Senate President, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and the committee chairman, to show cause within 72 hours why the investigation should not be permanently halted for violating the senator’s constitutional privileges.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her vocal advocacy on transparency and good governance, has yet to comment on the ruling.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee expressed regret over the rescheduling of the public hearing but maintained that the issue remained within its jurisdiction.
The legal battle highlighted the ongoing power tussle within the Senate as lawmakers navigate internal disciplinary processes.
