The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to Tuesday, May 13, for the hearing of contempt allegations filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, fixed the date after defence counsel informed the court on Monday that they had filed an application highlighting alleged contemptuous actions by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The dispute stems from a February 20 altercation over Senate seating arrangements, which escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a televised interview. The Senator later approached the court to stop disciplinary action by the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee, which resulted in an interim injunction on March 4. However, the Senate suspended her two days later, allegedly flouting the court’s order.
During Monday’s proceedings, lawyers representing the Senate President and other defendants, including Charles Yoila, Paul Daudu, Ekoh Ejembi (SAN), and Valentine Offia, argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan had disobeyed the court’s directive not to comment on the matter publicly.
Daudu cited a satirical Facebook post allegedly published by the senator as a violation of the order. Ejembi added that a newspaper report confirmed the post, calling it a mockery of the court’s authority.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutekpa, countered that the social media post was unrelated to the current case and instead referenced the sexual harassment allegation. He insisted the court should move forward with hearing the main case, noting his client had already missed 68 legislative days due to the suspension.
Justice Nyako, however, ruled that the contempt issue must be addressed before any further proceedings. She reminded both parties of the court’s authority, stating, “If counsel or litigants disobey the court, then the court has no business hearing them.”
She also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team had raised a reciprocal contempt claim against the defendants and invited them to file a formal application for the court to consider.
The judge issued a stern warning: “If they are found in contempt, they will face punishment. If not, the court will proceed.”
