The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until Tuesday, May 13, for a definite hearing regarding the contempt claims brought against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Binta Nyako set the date after the second and third defendants filed an application highlighting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged contempt.
The legal conflict between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan began with a disagreement over seating arrangements in the Senate on February 20. This was followed by Akpoti-Uduaghan making sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio during a television appearance.
Subsequently, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought a court order to prevent the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee from investigating her. In response, the Senate suspended her on March 6, citing allegations of gross misconduct, despite the ongoing court case.
On April 4, 2025, Justice Nyako ordered that both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, along with others involved, refrain from giving media interviews or making social media posts about the case. However, Akpabio’s legal team contended that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated this order by posting a satirical apology on her Facebook page.
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During Monday’s session, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team argued that the Facebook post was unrelated to the case, while Akpabio’s lawyers claimed it mocked the court. Justice Nyako emphasized that the contempt issue must be resolved first before proceeding with the case.
The court also warned that continued disobedience of orders could result in consequences, and urged both sides to resolve any contempt allegations before moving forward with the substantive matter.
The matter will continue to be heard tomorrow, May 13, as the court seeks to address the contempt claims before proceeding with the underlying legal dispute.
