Federal High Court warns Akpabio and top Senate officials over alleged defiance of court order.
Abuja, Nigeria (EPICSTORIAN) — Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and other top Senate officials are facing contempt proceedings for allegedly disregarding a Federal High Court order concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
A notice from the court warns that continued noncompliance could lead to imprisonment.
Justice O.A. Egwuatu had issued an order on March 4, 2025, barring the Senate from proceeding with an investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan over an incident during a February 20 plenary session.
The court’s directive, which was formally served on March 5, was allegedly ignored, leading to legal action against the Senate leadership.
Court Issues Warning Over Alleged Defiance
A contempt notice, known as Form 48, was filed under Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act. The document names Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as those responsible for failing to comply.
The notice states:
“Your willful disobedience of this Honourable Court’s order of March 4, 2025, renders you liable for contempt, for which you may be committed to prison unless you comply.”
According to court documents, the defendants proceeded with actions in direct contradiction to the court’s ruling, prompting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to initiate contempt proceedings.
Legal Battle Over Senate Inquiry
Court filings show that Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier filed a motion seeking judicial protection from a Senate probe into alleged misconduct. The motion, granted on March 4, instructed the National Assembly’s Clerk to ensure compliance with the ruling.
The reliefs granted by the court included:
•Permission to serve the originating summons through substituted means, such as publication in national newspapers.
•An interim order restraining the Senate’s ethics committee from proceeding with its investigation.
•A directive for Senate leaders to appear before the court and explain why an injunction should not be issued against them.
According to legal filings, the Senate leadership took steps to continue with the inquiry, leading the court to formally issue its latest warning.
Potential Legal Consequences for Senate Leadership
Failure to comply could result in legal penalties, including imprisonment. The proceedings highlight tensions between the judiciary and the legislature, raising questions about the limits of parliamentary authority when faced with court rulings.
Legal experts suggest the case could influence future interactions between Nigerian courts and the National Assembly, especially regarding oversight and disciplinary matters. The next legal steps will determine whether the Senate leadership complies or escalates the situation further.
