In a shocking turn of events, an Abuja Federal High Court has slammed the brakes on the Nigerian Senate’s move to investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the bombshell ruling on Tuesday, granting an interim order that puts the Senate Ethics Committee’s probe on hold—at least for now.
This comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, filed an ex parte application through her legal team, effectively halting the Senate’s planned deliberations that could have led to her indefinite suspension.
The Drama Behind the Senate Showdown
The controversy exploded on February 20, 2025, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan walked into the Senate chamber only to find her seat had been reassigned—without prior notice! Seeing this as an attempt to silence her voice and diminish her influence, she outrightly refused to move to the newly assigned seat.
Chief Whip Tahir Monguno defended the reshuffling, claiming it was due to shifts in party affiliations among senators. But Natasha was having none of it! The situation escalated into a heated face-off between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who ultimately ordered the sergeant-at-arms to enforce the new seating arrangement.
Her defiance didn’t sit well with the Senate leadership, and in a swift move, the chamber unanimously referred her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, was tasked with investigating the matter and submitting a report within two weeks.
Legal Fireworks: N100 Billion Lawsuit Against Akpabio!
Just when you thought the drama had peaked, Akpoti-Uduaghan threw another curveball—she filed a staggering N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick!
The lawsuit stems from a Facebook post allegedly written by Patrick under Akpabio’s directive, which, according to Natasha, contained defamatory remarks about her, attacking both her legislative competence and personal appearance. In the suit, she demands damages and a public apology, arguing that the post severely tarnished her reputation and exposed her to public ridicule.
What’s Next?
With the court’s ruling putting the Senate’s probe on ice, all eyes are now on the next legal moves. Will the Senate challenge the order? Will Natasha emerge victorious in her defamation suit? One thing is certain—this political saga is far from over!
Stay locked on GistBuddy for the latest updates on this unfolding drama!