Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other key officials risk imprisonment for allegedly defying a court order, as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan initiates contempt proceedings against the Senate.
A notice of disobedience, issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warns the defendants of the consequences of their alleged defiance. The notice, signed by the court registrar, highlights that the court order—granted by Justice O.A. Egwuatu on March 4, 2025—was wilfully ignored by Akpabio, the Senate Clerk, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
The Form 48, issued in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, explicitly states that their failure to comply with the court’s directive could result in imprisonment. The court stressed that despite being served with the enrolled order on March 5, 2025, the defendants deliberately disregarded its ruling and continued to act in defiance of judicial authority.
A portion of Form 48 reads:
“Take notice that pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, your wilful disobedience of the order of this Honourable Court, Coram: Hon. Justice O.A. Egwuatu J, made on 4th March 2025, renders you liable for contempt of court, for which you may be committed to prison unless you comply with the said order.
“Take further notice that despite being duly served with the enrolled order on the 5th of March 2025, you, the defendants/contemnors, have deliberately and contumaciously disregarded its binding directive, proceeding with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of this Honourable Court. A copy of the said order is annexed hereto for ease of reference.”
The court’s enrolled order, issued on March 4, 2025, granted the following reliefs:
Permission for substituted service – The plaintiff was allowed to serve the Senate with court documents through the Clerk of the National Assembly, by posting them on National Assembly premises, or via publication in two national newspapers.
- Interim injunction – The Senate Ethics Committee, led by Senator Imasuem, was restrained from proceeding with an investigation into Senator Natasha over alleged misconduct related to events during the February 20, 2025, plenary session.
- Directive for Senate officials to justify their actions – The defendants were ordered to appear before the court and explain why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued, preventing them from conducting their investigation while ensuring the plaintiff’s privileges remained intact.
- Declaration of actions taken in violation of the court order as null and void – Any decision made by the Senate during the pendency of the case would be legally invalid.
The case is expected to escalate as the court weighs possible contempt charges against Akpabio and other Senate officials.
