June 27 Set for Judgment in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Case

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed June 27 to deliver judgment on the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is contesting her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate.

The suspension, imposed under Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership, was based on findings of misconduct by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Akpoti-Uduaghan disputes the suspension, claiming it was unfair and biased.

The defendants in the case include the Senate leadership and the Ethics Committee chair, Senator Neda Imasuem. The matter was reassigned to Justice Nyako after the previous judge stepped down.

During proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel confirmed that all relevant documents had been submitted. However, Senate lawyers accused her of defying a court order by publishing a satirical apology to the Senate President on Facebook and newspapers, an allegation her lawyers denied, stating, “The alleged statement credited to the plaintiff had no connection with her.” The court will also consider this contempt issue alongside the suspension challenge.