Court Halts Senate Probe into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “Misconduct”
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AFederal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim injunction barring the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from continuing with disciplinary proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered this ruling on Tuesday, following an ex-parte application brought forward by the senator’s legal team.
The court order, obtained on Wednesday, includes critical directives. It restrains the committee, chaired by the 4th defendant, from further investigating the senator regarding an altercation in the Senate chamber on February 20, 2025. This investigation, initiated after a referral on February 25, is to remain suspended pending the hearing and determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction.
According to the enrolled order, the court granted the plaintiff leave to serve the defendants through substituted means, such as via the Clerk of the National Assembly or by publishing the court documents in national newspapers. The court also directed the defendants, including the committee and its members, to provide a response within 72 hours explaining why the disciplinary investigation should continue without adhering to constitutional and procedural safeguards.
The legal dispute originates from an incident between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a February 20 plenary. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from the reallocation of the senator’s chamber seat, prompting Senator Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu to move a motion citing misconduct and breach of Senate conduct rules. 
As part of the proceedings, the Clerk to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Christian N. Onwusonye, had issued a letter informing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of a rescheduled public hearing to address the matter. Dated Wednesday and bearing reference number NASS/S/10/EPP/DSNAU/2, the letter emphasized that the change in date did not alter the substantive content of the earlier communication. It also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to the senator.
The letter stated, “The Committee regrets any inconvenience the sudden change of date may have caused. Please accept the assurances of the Committee’s highest esteem.”
Despite this communication, the court’s intervention has put the Senate’s disciplinary process on hold, at least temporarily. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her advocacy for transparency and good governance, has yet to publicly address the court’s decision.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Ethics has reiterated its jurisdiction over the matter but will abide by the court’s directive pending further developments.
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