BREAKING: Court Sets June 27 for Judgment on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 27 for judgment in the suit filed by suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenging her suspension by the Senate.

According to a report by CHANNELS TELEVISION, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended over alleged misconduct, approached the court to contest what she claims was a biased disciplinary process. She named the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as defendants.

The case, originally before Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako following Egwuatu’s withdrawal.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), informed the court that the plaintiff had submitted all documents required, in compliance with the court’s earlier directive.

Representing the Senate and Senate President, Paul Daudu (SAN) and Ekwo Ejembi respectively, also confirmed their filings. However, they drew the court’s attention to a motion alleging disobedience to a court order by the plaintiff.

According to both counsels, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan violated the court’s order when she published a satirical letter of apology to the Senate President on her Facebook page and in several national dailies on March 27.

Responding to the allegation, Michael Numan (SAN), another lawyer representing Akpoti-Uduaghan, confirmed receipt of the motion but reminded the court that a similar contempt motion had previously been filed against all the defendants.

Numan insisted the controversial statement had “no connection with the plaintiff”, adding that it lacked any legal nexus to her and should not be grounds for contempt.

Justice Nyako, after hearing submissions from all parties, adjourned the matter to June 27 for judgment.