Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has vacated an earlier order that restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The initial restraining order, issued on March 4, 2025, was set aside on Wednesday, with the judge ruling that events within the Senate had overtaken it.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan came under Senate scrutiny following a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat reallocation during a plenary session on February 20, 2025. Her actions were deemed disorderly, leading to her referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for alleged misconduct.
Rather than appear before the committee, the senator sought judicial intervention to halt the probe. However, despite the court’s initial ex parte order, the Senate proceeded with its investigation, concluding the process and presenting its report on the Senate floor on March 6, 2025.
Based on the committee’s findings, the Senate collectively voted to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In response, the second respondent challenged the ex parte order, arguing that it had effectively determined the substantive issue prematurely.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Egwuatu ruled to set aside the restraining order, affirming the Senate’s authority to conduct its legislative duties.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all pending preliminary objections, applications, and the plaintiff’s request for a mandatory injunction.
