Judge Issues Interim Order Halting Disciplinary Proceedings Amid Alleged Altercation with Senate President Akpabio
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The order followed an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, seeking to halt the investigation initiated after an alleged altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on February 20, 2025.
In her application, the Kogi senator requested the court to declare any actions taken by the Senate or its ethics committee during the pendency of the suit as null and void. She also sought permission to serve the defendants, including the Senate and its committee, through substituted means.
A portion of the application read: “An order of this honourable court granting an Interim Injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant/Defendant’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct headed by the 4th Defendant from proceeding with the purported investigation against the Plaintiff/Applicant for alleged misconduct sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary of the 2nd Defendant on the 20th day of February, 2025.”
Justice Egwuatu granted the interim injunction and ordered the defendants to show cause within 72 hours of being served why the interlocutory injunction should not be made permanent. The judge also approved the request for substituted service of the court documents.
The case has been adjourned to March 10, 2025, for the defendants to present their arguments.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Senate, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenge adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute. The court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring due process and protecting the rights of lawmakers amid internal disciplinary actions.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senate and the judiciary to see how this high-profile conflict is resolved.