Court Drama: Contempt Claims Stall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vs. Akpabio Case in Abuja

The legal showdown between suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a dramatic twist, as the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the matter to Tuesday, May 13, to address contempt allegations.

Presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, the court paused all proceedings on the substantive case until it rules on claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan defied a previous court order by allegedly mocking the judicial process on social media.

The Origin of the Dispute
The legal tussle began after a heated disagreement between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio over seating arrangements during Senate plenary on February 20. The controversy escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on a television programme and accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim that further strained relations between both parties.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the court to restrain the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating her, citing bias and lack of due process.

Court Intervention and Suspension
On March 4, the court granted her an interim injunction, halting any Senate disciplinary actions. Yet, just two days later, the Senate proceeded to suspend her, citing misconduct—despite the matter being sub judice.

The court then issued a gag order on March 6, barring all parties from making public or media statements related to the case.

Contempt Claims Spark Fresh Delay
At Monday’s resumed hearing, Paul Daudu, representing the second defendant, pointed to a Facebook post by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which he described as satirical and contemptuous. He argued that the post was a direct violation of the court’s no-media directive.

“She posted a satirical apology mocking the court. This is a clear case of contempt,” Daudu argued.

Akpabio’s counsel, Ekoh Ejembi (SAN), echoed the claim, tendering a Punch newspaper report to support the allegation.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), countered that the post was unrelated to the court case, insisting it was about the sexual harassment allegation, not the ongoing proceedings.

 Contempt on Both Sides?
In a surprising turn, Okutekpa raised a counter-contempt allegation against all the defendants, claiming they too had violated court orders.

Justice Nyako, visibly displeased with the disobedience on both sides, issued a stern warning:

“If counsel or litigants disobey the court, then the court has no business hearing them. I can summon all your clients to appear before me.”

She directed all legal teams to present any contempt applications for hearing, affirming that the contempt matter must be resolved before the main case can proceed.

What’s Next?
With the next court date set for May 13, the focus now shifts to whether the court will find any party in contempt—and what the repercussions might be. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to count her days in suspension, having already missed 68 cumulative days of legislative duty.