The Federal High Court in Abuja has lifted its earlier order stopping the Senate from suspending Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who initially granted the interim order, ruled on Wednesday that the injunction restraining the Senate from disciplining the lawmaker is now vacated.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had rushed to the court through an ex-parte motion, pleading for protection against an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct led by Senator Neda Imasuem. She was being probed over alleged misconduct.
On March 4, Justice Egwuatu had temporarily stopped the Senate from suspending her, warning that any action against her while the case was ongoing would be invalid.
However, defying the order, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on March 6, accusing her of misconduct during the February 20 plenary session.
The senator fired back with a contempt suit against the Senate, arguing that her suspension violated the court’s ruling. But the Senate’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that the court’s earlier order was vague and an intrusion into legislative duties, which goes against the principle of separation of powers.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), maintained that the Senate acted in clear disobedience to the court’s directive.
After listening to both parties, Justice Egwuatu reversed the injunction, effectively backing the Senate’s decision to suspend the senator.
The matter has been adjourned to March 25 for hearing on other pending applications.