In a major legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the National Assembly from proceeding with its investigation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The order, granted in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, follows a lawsuit filed by the Senator against the Clerk of the National Assembly and three others.
Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwatu, who presided over the case, delivered the ruling on March 4, 2025, effectively halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct during a plenary session on February 20, 2025. The investigation, initiated through a referral by the second defendant on February 25, has now been put on hold pending further court proceedings.
The court directed all parties involved to show cause within 72 hours as to why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted, preventing any further actions against the Senator until the substantive case is determined.
A certified true copy of the order has been served on the Clerk of the National Assembly (first defendant), the Senate, the Senate President (third defendant), and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct (fourth defendant). The defendants are expected to comply with the court’s directive pending the next hearing, scheduled for March 10, 2025.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, M.J Numa & Partners LLP, welcomed the ruling as a necessary step to uphold due process and protect their client’s rights. They emphasized that legislative oversight must be conducted within the framework of the law to ensure fairness and accountability.
This case highlights the increasing legal scrutiny surrounding legislative proceedings in Nigeria, setting the stage for further judicial review in the coming days.
