Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the courtroom prepared for a high-profile hearing involving contempt claims between her and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The session was scheduled to address allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan disobeyed a previous court order, as raised by Akpabio.
Justice Binta Nyako, who is presiding over the matter, had earlier set the hearing date for Tuesday, following court activity on Monday. The case has gained national attention as it features two key figures from the Nigerian Senate entangled in a heated legal and political standoff.
In addition to Akpabio’s contempt claim, Justice Nyako also noted she would hear a related contempt filing made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. That filing accuses Akpabio, the Senate, and other involved parties of disregarding a court directive issued in her favor.
The legal dispute traces back to February after an incident during a Senate plenary. What began as a disagreement over seating arrangements soon escalated into a much deeper clash. Akpoti-Uduaghan later alleged during a television appearance that Akpabio had sexually harassed her, a claim that brought widespread public interest and media coverage.
In response to growing tensions, Akpoti-Uduaghan took legal action. She filed an application asking the Federal High Court to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating her.
The court responded on March 4 with an order that temporarily blocked the Senate from starting any disciplinary process against the senator. But just two days later, on March 6, the Senate went ahead and suspended her. According to Senate reports, the suspension was based on findings by the ethics committee which cited alleged gross misconduct.
