Abuja, Nigeria—The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear contempt proceedings involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following allegations of disobedience to court orders in their ongoing legal dispute.
Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the matter, adjourned the hearing to Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to address both contempt applications. Akpabio accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of violating a court order by posting a satirical apology on her Facebook page, which he claims mocks the court’s authority. Conversely, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that Akpabio and the Senate defied a prior injunction by proceeding with her suspension despite a restraining order.
The legal conflict began in February 2025 after a disagreement over seating arrangements during a Senate plenary session. Subsequently, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a television interview. In response, she sought a court order to prevent the Senate from initiating disciplinary actions against her. Despite the court’s injunction on March 4, the Senate suspended her on March 6, citing a committee report alleging gross misconduct.
On April 4, Justice Nyako ordered all parties to refrain from media engagements or social media posts related to the case. However, Akpabio’s legal team contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan breached this order with her Facebook post. In defense, Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that the post pertained to separate allegations of sexual harassment and did not violate the court’s directive.
Justice Nyako emphasized the importance of addressing the contempt allegations before proceeding with the substantive case, stating, “If there is contempt, I have to hear and determine it first.”
By Adeola Olaniya | May 12, 2025
