Court Lifts Order Blocking Senate Committee from Probing Natasha

A court has vacated the order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, clearing the way for the probe to continue.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has annulled a previous order that prohibited the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting an investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The restraining order, which was issued on March 4, 2025, was revoked by the judge on Wednesday, citing that developments within the Senate had rendered the order obsolete.

The investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was initiated following a contentious exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025, regarding the reallocation of seats.

Her conduct during this session was characterized as disorderly, prompting a referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for alleged misconduct.

Instead of appearing before the committee to present her defense, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan opted to seek judicial relief to prevent the investigation.

Despite the court’s initial ex parte order, the Senate continued its inquiry, ultimately completing the investigation and presenting its findings on the Senate floor on March 6, 2025.

Following the committee’s conclusions, the Senate voted to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In reaction, the second respondent submitted an application contesting the ex parte order, claiming it had prematurely resolved the substantive matter.

After considering the arguments, Justice Egwuatu ruled to set aside the order, reaffirming the legislative powers of the Senate.

The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all outstanding preliminary objections, applications, and the plaintiff’s request for a mandatory injunction.