By Parrot Newspaper 
Court Halts Senate Probe of Natasha Over Clash With Akpabio
The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with a disciplinary probe against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central over her altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the ruling on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team. The court barred the committee from taking any further steps regarding the senator’s alleged misconduct until a substantive hearing is conducted.
Court’s Ruling on the Probe
The court specifically ordered the Senate committee to halt its investigation into the February 20th plenary incident, where Akpoti-Uduaghan openly defied Akpabio’s directive regarding her seating arrangement. The judge directed the Senate and its leadership to provide justification within 72 hours as to why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued against them.
Justice Egwuatu emphasized that any disciplinary action against the senator must adhere to the constitutional provisions, the Senate Standing Orders of 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
From Senate Clash to Legal Battle
The dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested her assigned seat in the chamber and refused to yield the floor upon Akpabio’s instruction. The confrontation led to the Senate referring her to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary review.
The matter escalated further when, on February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making past sexual advances toward her, suggesting that her troubles in the Senate stemmed from her rejection of those advances. This claim has intensified public interest and raised fresh ethical questions about the leadership of the upper legislative chamber.
With the court stepping in, the Senate’s next course of action remains uncertain. However, the legal challenge could test the extent of legislative immunity and the balance of power within the National Assembly.
Parrot Newspaper will continue to monitor developments in this high-profile case.