Court Bars Senate From Probing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with investigation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The ruling was made on Tuesday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, following an ex parte application submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, had been summoned to appear before the Senate’s disciplinary committee after a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.

The court’s intervention has temporarily stalled the committee’s efforts, putting a hold on any actions regarding the senator’s case until further legal review.

The controversy surrounding Senator Natasha began in late February 2025, following a heated outburst in the Senate over a seating arrangement during a crucial session.

The seating dispute, which was seen as a minor issue at first, quickly escalated when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan voiced strong objections to her placement in the chamber, claiming it was a deliberate attempt to undermine her position and influence within the Senate. Her vocal protest against the seating arrangement sparked an uproar among her colleagues, leading to public and internal tensions.

The situation took a more serious turn when, shortly after the seating dispute, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate sexual advances toward her.

She claimed that her refusal to entertain his advances was the reason he was now allegedly victimizing her. Her allegations quickly gained national attention and were seen by many as a direct challenge to Akpabio’s credibility and authority.