Natasha Akpoti Files Contempt Charge Against Godswill Akpabio Over Her Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of contempt of court over her six-month suspension from the Senate.

The contempt charge, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under Form 48, also names the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senator Neda Imasuem, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

Natasha Akpoti argued that her suspension violates a court order issued on March 4, which had barred the Senate from taking disciplinary action against her.

The court, through a notice signed by its Registrar under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warned the defendants that ignoring its directive could lead to imprisonment.

According to the court filing, the defendants deliberately defied the order, despite receiving an official copy of the injunction on March 5.

The ruling, issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu after an ex-parte application by Natasha’s legal team, had temporarily stopped the Senate from investigating her alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session.

The court also instructed the defendants to present reasons why a formal injunction should not be granted to prevent any disciplinary action against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

It warned that any action taken while the case is still in court would be invalid.

Justice Egwuatu also allowed Natasha to serve court documents on the defendants through alternative means, including delivering them to the Clerk of the National Assembly, posting them at the National Assembly complex, or publishing them in national newspapers.

In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has contested the court’s authority, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction over Senate affairs.

The case is set for further hearing on March 25.

KanyiDaily recalls that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan previously described her suspension from the Senate as unlawful, insisting she will continue carrying out her legislative duties despite the decision.