Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made a formal appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday as Justice Binta Nyako commenced hearing on a contempt application filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The matter centers around allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan violated an earlier court directive, prompting Akpabio to initiate the contempt proceedings. In a procedural twist, the court is also considering a separate contempt charge previously filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, the Nigerian Senate, and others, over accusations of defying a restraining order granted in her favor.
Justice Nyako, who scheduled today’s session following Monday’s procedural review, confirmed that both applications for contempt will be examined concurrently.
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The courtroom drama stems from a lingering political and legal clash between the two senators, which began in February after a disagreement reportedly erupted over seating arrangements during a Senate session. The dispute escalated when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live television interview.
In response to what she described as an orchestrated move to silence her, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought judicial intervention. She petitioned the court to halt a proposed investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Her efforts yielded a temporary legal victory on March 4, when the court issued an interim injunction preventing the Senate from launching disciplinary proceedings. Nonetheless, just two days later, the Senate voted to suspend the Kogi Central senator, citing a committee report that alleged gross misconduct.
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The legal battle has intensified scrutiny on internal Senate dynamics and raised concerns over the politicization of disciplinary processes within Nigeria’s legislative body.
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As both parties await the court’s rulings, observers say the outcome could set a significant precedent for the balance of power and legal protections within the National Assembly.
