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| Court awaits June 27 judgment in Abuja. |
The Federal High Court in Abuja set June 27, 2025 to hand down its ruling in two linked cases. One is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit against her six-month Senate suspension. The other is a contempt claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against her.
Justice Binta Fatima Nyako heard final arguments on May 13, 2025. She warned lawyers against filing extra, needless papers. She said the case had dragged on too long.
Akpoti-Uduaghan sued to overturn her suspension. She says the Senate breached a court order by naming a panel to probe her conduct. She claims the probe and suspension flout her right to fair hearing.
The Senate argues the court lacks power to review its internal affairs. It says the Ethics Committee acted within Senate rules. Its lawyers say courts must not interfere with legislative discipline.
Akpabio filed a contempt claim against Akpoti-Uduaghan. He says she breached an April 4 court order. That order barred both sides from public comments on the case until judgment. He points to a satirical “apology” she posted on social media.
Akpoti-Uduaghan counter-filed contempt charges. She accuses Akpabio, the Senate, and others of speaking to media in breach of the same order. She named the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senator Nedamwen Imasuen.
Justice Nyako will first rule on contempt issues. If she finds breaches, she may impose fines or other sanctions. Then she will rule on preliminary objections. If those fail, she will decide the main suit on suspension.
The case has wide stakes. It tests the courts’ power over legislative moves. It questions the line between free speech and contempt. It may shape how lawmakers can speak on social media during court proceedings.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan won public sympathy after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. She says that claim led to her suspension on March 6, 2025. Akpabio denies misconduct. He says her allegation was baseless and meant to smear him.
Observers say the outcome may curb lawmakers’ media conduct. It may also guide future cases on court orders and social media posts.
All parties return on June 27, 2025. The court sits at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 7B of the Federal High Court complex.
This ruling will mark a key moment in Nigeria’s democracy. It will balance rights of elected officials against courts’ orders. It will test the reach of legislative immunity.
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