By Hassanat Adebowale
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other defendants to file their defence in a suit brought by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the directive on Monday after confirming that all defendants had been properly served with court documents.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, names the Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS) and the Senate as the 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively. Akpoti-Uduaghan also listed Senate President Akpabio and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as the 3rd and 4th defendants.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking an interim injunction to halt an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics into allegations of misconduct against her. The investigation stems from events during the February 20 plenary and was referred to the committee on February 25. The senator argues that the investigation violates her rights under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
On March 4, Justice Egwuatu granted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s motion, declaring any actions taken during the pendency of the suit null and void. The court also allowed her to serve the originating summons and other documents on the defendants through substituted means, including delivery via the Clerk of NASS or publication in national newspapers.
During Monday’s hearing, counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants claimed they had not received the court documents. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa, SAN, countered that all parties had been served, presenting affidavits of service as evidence. After reviewing the records, Justice Egwuatu confirmed that the defendants had indeed been served.
Counsel for the Senate President, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, requested an adjournment to allow all parties to regularize their filings. Other defence lawyers supported the request, emphasizing the need for an efficient hearing process. Justice Egwuatu granted the adjournment and directed all parties to file and serve their responses before the next hearing date.
The case was adjourned to March 25 for further proceedings. Meanwhile, the Senate, in a plenary session presided over by Akpabio, recently suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following the Ethics Committee’s report.
GI’’s Legal Corner
The Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act protects lawmakers from being penalized for statements or actions made in the course of their legislative duties, unless a proper disciplinary process is followed. Additionally, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every individual the right to a fair hearing.
If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims are upheld, it could reaffirm the need for legislative bodies to adhere to due process, even when handling internal disciplinary issues. This case might also help define the boundaries of parliamentary privilege, striking a balance between lawmakers’ immunity and their accountability.
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