The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate until March 25, 2025.
Justice Obiora Egwatu, who presided over the case, postponed proceedings after the defendants’ legal representatives claimed they had not been properly served with court documents.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had approached the court seeking an order to restrain the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her. The court granted the order last week, but despite this, the Senate suspended her for six months on Thursday after reviewing the committee’s report.
During the proceedings, counsel for the senator, Michael Numa (SAN), insisted that all parties had been duly served, presenting affidavits of service as evidence. After reviewing the documents, Justice Egwatu confirmed that the defendants had received the necessary legal processes.
At that point, counsel for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, requested an adjournment to allow for the harmonisation of legal filings. Other defense lawyers supported the request, arguing that it would ensure an accelerated hearing at the next sitting.
Justice Egwatu subsequently adjourned the case to March 25 and directed that all relevant legal documents be served on the parties before the next hearing.
Speaking after the court session, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwaebonyi, emphasised the importance of proper legal procedures. He stated that while the Senate is a law-abiding institution, it was unusual for a court to interfere in its internal affairs.
