The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday reserved judgment in the suit challenging the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, after a tense session marked by procedural disputes and the sudden withdrawal of a contempt proceeding by the respondents.
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case, expressed strong dissatisfaction with what she described as a “multiplicity of processes” filed by the respondents. She warned both sides that the court would no longer tolerate frivolous applications or deliberate delays.
“This matter has dragged enough,” she said firmly. “We must bring it to a close.”
After deliberations, the court adjourned for judgment, which is now scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2025.
Both parties are expected to return on that date for what could become a landmark ruling on legislative discipline, freedom of expression, and the rights of elected officials under Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
The courtroom, packed with lawyers, observers, and journalists, fell into a tense silence as Justice Nyako rejected calls for another adjournment. She stressed that the public deserved a timely resolution to restore confidence in the judicial process.
At the heart of the case is Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge to her controversial suspension from the Senate for six months over alleged misconduct. Her suspension followed her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a surprising turn, counsel for the respondents withdrew a contempt application they had earlier filed against the senator.
The motion stemmed from a satirical letter she wrote in response to her suspension.
The court acknowledged the withdrawal without further comment, noting that “the contempt process is no longer before the court.”
The controversy began when Kogi Central Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Her subsequent suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct has further complicated the situation, raising questions about motive and accountability.
