Senate President Godswill Akpabio Faces Contempt Charges Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other key figures in the Senate could face jail time after being accused of violating a court order in the ongoing legal battle involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a Form 48 (Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Court Order) against:

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio
• Clerk of the National Assembly
• Senator Neda Imasuem (Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct)

This notice, signed by the court Registrar, warns that the defendants could be held in contempt of court for failing to comply with an order issued by Justice O.A. Egwuatu J. on March 4, 2025.

According to the court, the officials were duly served with the legally binding order on March 5, 2025, yet they deliberately ignored it and continued actions in defiance of the court's authority.

"Take notice that pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, your willful disobedience of this Honourable Court’s order renders you liable for contempt of court, for which you may be committed to prison unless you comply with the said order."

The court stressed that any actions taken by the Senate during the pendency of this suit are null, void, and of no effect.

The court documents reveal that Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking the following legal reliefs:

• An order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with any investigation against her.
• An order directing the defendants to explain why an injunction should not be granted to prevent further actions against her.
• A declaration that any action taken against her while the suit is pending is invalid.

With the court formally issuing the notice of disobedience, Akpabio and the other named officials must either comply with the order or risk being held in contempt of court, which could lead to legal penalties, including jail time.

This case continues to stir political and legal tensions, as it raises concerns about executive compliance with judicial authority in Nigeria.