Court Halts Senate’s Probe into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with a disciplinary investigation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by presiding judge Obiora Egwuatu, following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team.
According to the court’s order, the judge granted an interim injunction restraining the Senate Committee from continuing with its investigation into the alleged misconduct of the senator, stemming from events that took place during a plenary session on February 20, 2025. The referral for the probe had been made by the Senate on February 25, 2025.
The court’s order also directs the defendants to show cause within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to prevent them from proceeding with the investigation without granting Akpoti-Uduaghan the rights and privileges guaranteed under the Constitution, Senate Standing Orders, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
In addition, the court granted permission for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the defendants with the Originating Summons and accompanying processes by substituted means, such as through the Clerk of the National Assembly or by publishing them in two national dailies.
The ruling temporarily halts any further disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan until the matter is fully heard.
