A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with any disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The interim order was given on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
The order was in response to an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team in a SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 BETWEEN SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN V THE CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA & 3 ORS.
In its ruling, Justice Egwuatu granted, inter alia, an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with any investigation against the Plaintiff concerning the alleged misconduct arising from the events that occurred during the Senate plenary on 20th February 2025, following the referral by the 2nd Defendant on 25th February 2025.
In a letter dated March 5, 2025 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the senator representing Kogi Central drew the attention of the Senate to the restraining order.
The letter reads: “We are counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (hereinafter referred to as our client), the Plaintiff in the above-referenced suit, on whose express instruction we write to you.
“We respectfully bring to the attention of all parties in the aforementioned proceedings that the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, Coram: Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwatu J, in its ruling delivered on 4th March 2025, granted, inter alia, an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with any investigation against the Plaintiff concerning the alleged misconduct arising from the events that
occurred during the Senate plenary on 20th February 2025, following the referral by the 2nd Defendant on 25th February 2025.
“This order is pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on the 3rd day of March, 2025.
“The parties have also been ordered to show cause within 72 hours of service of the said order why an order of interlocutory injunction should not be granted, restraining the defendants from proceeding with the purported investigation against the Plaintiff, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.
“Enclosed herewith is a Certified Copy of the order of the Court.
“We respectfully request that you comply with the said order while awaiting the outcome of the proceedings scheduled for 10th March 2025.
“With the highest professional regards, Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN FPD, UK.”
The letter was copied to The Senate of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, The President of the Senate, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem.
READ THE LETTER AND INTERIM ORDER: LETTER SENATE & INTERIM ORDER
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