A Federal High Court in Abuja has confirmed that the Senate was properly served with a restraining order in the case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The case has now been adjourned to March 25, 2025, for further hearing.

Senator Natasha Akpoti had gone to court to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her. Last week, the court granted her request and issued an order stopping the investigation. However, despite the court’s ruling, the Senate went ahead and suspended her for six months on March 7, 2025.

During the hearing on Monday, March 10, the legal teams representing the defendants claimed they had not received the court order. However, Natasha’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), presented affidavits proving that all parties had been served.

After reviewing the documents, Justice Obiora Egwatu confirmed that the defendants, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had indeed been served with the restraining order.

Following this confirmation, the lawyer representing the Senate President, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, requested an adjournment to allow all legal processes to be harmonized. Other defense lawyers supported the request, arguing that it would help speed up the case in the next hearing.

Justice Egwatu agreed and adjourned the case to March 25, 2025. He also directed that all necessary legal documents be properly served before the next hearing.

After the court session, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwaebonyi, emphasized the importance of proper legal procedures. He stated that serving court documents ensures that all parties understand the case and can respond appropriately.

While acknowledging that it is rare for a court to interfere in Senate matters, he said the Senate would respect the legal process.

The next hearing will determine the way forward in this legal battle.