Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, along with Senator Neda Imasuem and the Clerk of the National Assembly, are at risk of contempt charges following their defiance of a court order in a case brought by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
A Form 48 was issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja, urging the Senate leadership to take notice of their disobedience. The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, involves Akpoti-Uduaghan as the plaintiff and Akpabio, Imasuem, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and the Senate as the defendants.
According to the court’s notice, the defendants’ actions amounted to “willful disobedience” of a court order issued by Justice O.A. Egwuatu on March 4, 2025. Despite being properly served with the enrolled order on March 5, 2025, the defendants are accused of ignoring the court’s directives and continuing actions that blatantly disregard the court’s authority.
The court warned that this disobedience could lead to contempt of court charges and possible imprisonment unless the defendants comply with the order.
The order in question relates to a motion filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, requesting the court to prevent the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee from proceeding with an investigation into alleged misconduct by the senator. This investigation was triggered by a referral from the Senate on February 25, 2025, following an incident at a plenary session on February 20, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that the investigation violates her constitutional rights and privileges as a senator.
Among the reliefs sought by Akpoti-Uduaghan in her suit were a declaration that any actions taken during the pendency of the case would be invalid, as well as an interim injunction to halt the ongoing investigation until the matter is resolved.
As the court proceedings unfold, the Senate leadership faces serious legal consequences if they fail to comply with the court’s orders.
