Court vacates order restraining Senate Committee on Ethics from probing Natasha
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has set aside an order which restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The restraining order issued on March 4, 2025 was lifted on Wednesday by the judge on the ground that events have overtaken it in the Senate.
Investigation of the senator was triggered during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025, where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat reallocation.
Her actions during the session were deemed disorderly, leading to her referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for alleged misconduct.
However, rather than appear before the committee to defend herself, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought judicial intervention to halt the probe.
Despite the court’s initial ex parte order, the Senate proceeded with its investigations, concluding the process and presenting its report on the Senate floor on March 6, 2025.
Based on the committee’s findings, the Senate collectively voted to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In response, the second respondent filed an application challenging the ex parte order, arguing that it had effectively determined the substantive issue prematurely.
Upon reviewing the arguments, Justice Egwuatu in a ruling set aside the order, reaffirming the Senate’s legislative authority.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all pending preliminary objections, applications and the plaintiff’s request for a mandatory injunction.
