Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Faces Contempt Hearing In Court Battle With Senate President Akpabio

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the hearing of a contempt suit filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Tuesday, May 13.

The case stems from a political and legal dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio following events at the National Assembly.

Contempt Allegations Delay Substantive Hearing

Justice Nyako postponed the main hearing after the second and third defendants claimed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan violated court orders.

They pointed to a satirical post on her Facebook page titled “Satirical Apology”, despite previous instructions to refrain from social media commentary.

Defence Teams Say They’re Ready to Proceed

At the resumed hearing, all legal teams—including those representing the Senate and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—confirmed they had filed required court documents.

Her lead counsel, Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), said they were prepared for the substantive hearing and urged the court to move forward.

Senate’s Lawyers Insist on Contempt Hearing

Counsel to the Senate, Paul Daudu (SAN), told the court the Facebook post mocked the proceedings and disobeyed a standing court order.

Akpabio’s lawyer, Ekoh Ejembi (SAN), also accused the senator of undermining the judiciary and submitted a Punch newspaper report as evidence.

Plaintiff’s Counsel Dismisses Contempt Claims

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer argued the post addressed sexual harassment and had no link to the ongoing case.

Okutekpa maintained the publication had “no nexus” to the suit and requested an expedited trial, citing his client’s 68-day absence from the Senate.

Judge Warns Against Disobedience of Court Orders

Justice Nyako insisted she would not proceed with the main case until she ruled on the contempt allegation.

She warned lawyers that continued disobedience by their clients could lead the court to disregard their arguments entirely.

Both Sides Accuse Each Other of Contempt

In response, Okutekpa also accused the defendants of contempt, stating they had violated court orders as well.

Justice Nyako directed him to formally file the contempt claim if necessary and warned all parties to stop undermining the court.

Background: What Triggered the Legal Battle

The dispute began on February 20 during a Senate plenary over a sitting arrangement.

Following the incident, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a televised interview.

She later filed an ex parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) seeking to stop the Senate from probing her via the Ethics and Privileges Committee.

Senate Suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan Despite Court Order

On March 4, the court barred the Senate from disciplining her. Yet, two days later, the Senate suspended her based on the committee’s report.

Justice Nyako responded on April 4 by banning all parties—including Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan—from giving interviews or making social media posts about the case.

The court will now determine whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan violated its order before the main case proceeds. The hearing on Tuesday, May 13, will be critical.

Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes legal showdown involving top Nigerian lawmakers.