Court Lifts Order Blocking Senate Investigation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned a previous order that prohibited the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The restraining order, originally issued on March 4, 2025, was lifted on Wednesday, with Justice Egwuatu stating that Senate activities had already moved forward, making the order no longer applicable.

The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session over seat reallocation. The dispute led to her being referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for alleged misconduct, following concerns that her behavior during the session was unruly.

Instead of appearing before the committee, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought a court order to halt the investigation. However, despite the court's initial ex parte ruling, the Senate continued its investigation, concluding its findings and presenting a report on the Senate floor on March 6, 2025. Based on the committee’s conclusions, the Senate voted to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Senate, as the second respondent, challenged the court order, arguing that the ex parte injunction had preemptively ruled on the substantive issue. After reviewing the case, Justice Egwuatu ruled in favor of the Senate, affirming its legislative authority and lifting the injunction.

With the restraining order removed, the court has scheduled a hearing for all outstanding preliminary objections, applications, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request for a mandatory injunction on March 25, 2025.