A Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned its earlier ruling that declared the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan unlawful. Justice Obiora Egwuatu set aside the court’s previous decision after reviewing arguments from both the senator’s legal team and the defense counsel representing the National Assembly and the Senate.
On March 4, the court had ruled in favor of Senator Natasha, granting her five reliefs, including an injunction that nullified any actions taken against her during the legal proceedings. This order was issued after her counsel, Sanusi Musa (SAN), presented an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central, had filed the suit against key officials, including the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Senate leadership. She also named Senate President and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as co-defendants.
Senator Natasha sought an interim injunction to prevent the Senate committee from proceeding with an investigation into allegations of misconduct against her. This inquiry stemmed from events at the Senate’s plenary session on February 20, which led to a formal referral for investigation on February 25.
In response, on March 17, the Senate’s legal team, led by Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), filed a motion requesting that the court rescind Order Number Four, which had restricted the Senate’s legislative actions regarding Natasha.
Ojukwu argued that the order violated Section 36(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees fair hearing. He contended that the injunction was too broad, lacked clarity, and improperly restrained the Senate from carrying out its constitutional duties.
The Senate’s legal team further asserted that the ruling, if enforced, could create a constitutional crisis by obstructing the legislative arm from performing its mandated functions, as provided under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. They also claimed that the court had overstepped its jurisdiction by intervening in legislative affairs.
After reviewing both sides’ arguments, Justice Egwuatu agreed with the Senate’s position and set aside Order Number Four. He ruled that the injunction should not have been granted in a manner that interfered with the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities.
Following this decision, the court scheduled a hearing on March 25 to address other pending applications related to the case.
The embattled senator had previously filed a contempt charge against the Senate, arguing that her six-month suspension violated the court’s directive. She claimed that the Senate had disregarded the March 4 ruling by proceeding with her suspension, despite being formally served the court’s order on March 5.
According to her legal team, the Senate’s actions amounted to deliberate defiance of a binding court order. However, with the court’s latest ruling, the Senate is now cleared to proceed with its investigation into the allegations against her.
As the legal battle continues, all parties are preparing for the next court session, which will further determine the fate of the case.
