Court Hears Senator Natasha’s Contempt Case Against Akpabio, Senate in Suspension Tussle
Legal Showdown in Abuja Court
The Federal High Court in Abuja is hearing a dramatic contempt proceeding involving suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Both parties have filed accusations of contempt of court against each other, setting the stage for a tense legal face-off.
Justice Binta Nyako is presiding over the case, which focuses on whether the Senate and its leadership disobeyed court orders in the course of suspending Senator Natasha, and whether she violated a court-imposed gag order by speaking to the press.
What Sparked the Dispute?
The dispute traces back to February 20, 2025, during a heated Senate plenary session where Natasha was allegedly confronted over seating arrangements. Days later, in a widely viewed television interview, she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Rather than investigate the harassment allegation, the Senate moved swiftly to suspend her for six months on March 6. Her suspension included loss of office access, salary, and security detail—actions she claimed were retaliatory and unlawful.
Natasha Fights Back in Court
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a suit challenging her suspension and naming the Senate, Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and Senator Neda Imasuen as defendants. She also submitted a contempt application against the Senate, arguing that her suspension ignored an existing court order prohibiting such action.
Akpabio Counters With His Own Contempt Claim
In a twist, Akpabio filed his own contempt application against Natasha, accusing her of breaching a court directive to refrain from making public statements or social media posts about the ongoing case.
Both applications are being heard in a consolidated session today, with Justice Nyako stressing that the contempt allegations must be addressed before the main case proceeds.
