Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 25, 2025, to hear a case filed by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Nigerian Senate.
The senator had approached the court to seek an order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her.
Although the court granted the restraining order, the Senate proceeded with its deliberations and, on Thursday, suspended her for six months after considering the committee’s report.
During Monday’s proceedings, lawyers representing the first, second, and third defendants claimed they had not been served with the senator’s legal documents.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa, SAN, countered their claims, stating that all parties had been duly served, with affidavits of service submitted to the court.
Upon reviewing the affidavits, Justice Egwatu confirmed that all respondents had received the necessary documents.
At that point, counsel for the Senate President, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, requested an adjournment to allow for the harmonization of all legal processes.
Other counsels supported the motion, arguing that it would help expedite the hearing at the next session.
In his ruling, Justice Egwatu granted the request and adjourned the case to March 25, directing that all required documents be properly served before the next hearing.
Following the proceedings, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Victor Nwaebonyi, emphasized the significance of proper service in legal matters.
He noted that parties must be formally notified to allow them to study the case and respond appropriately.
Nwaebonyi also remarked that while court intervention in Senate affairs was unusual, the legislative body, as a responsible institution, was merely complying with judicial directives.