Courtroom Heat: Akpabio Drags Natasha to Court Over Alleged Contempt
Byline: IDNN Legal & Political Affairs Desk
The fierce Senate feud between President Godswill Akpabio and suspended lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is now officially a legal war, with a Federal High Court in Abuja set to hear contempt allegations against Natasha on Tuesday, May 13.
The courtroom tension reached a boiling point Monday, as lawyers representing Akpabio accused Natasha of violating the court’s gag order with a satirical Facebook post, despite ongoing litigation over her suspension.
“She mocked the court’s authority,” Akpabio’s counsel told Justice Binta Nyako. “This is contempt—pure and simple.”
The Post That Sparked Fire
The post in question, described as “a sarcastic apology”, was cited by Paul Daudu and Ekoh Ejembi (SAN), lawyers representing the Senate leadership. They claimed the post flouted an earlier court directive for both parties to refrain from media comments and social activity relating to the case.
“If this court is mocked, we will not proceed with trial,” Ejembi insisted, presenting a Punch report covering Natasha’s post.
Natasha’s Camp Fires Back
But Natasha’s legal team, led by Jibrin Okutekpa, didn’t back down. He argued the post was unrelated to the present suit and accused the Senate of diverting attention from the real issue—illegal suspension.
“This court paused trial for contempt? Then hear ours too. We have our own contempt claim against all defendants,” Okutekpa said, turning the tables.
⛔ Court Issues Stern Warning: “Respect This Court or Face Consequences”
Justice Nyako didn’t mince words:
“Disobeying this court is a dangerous game. If found guilty of contempt, there will be punishment. If not, we proceed. But I won’t hear this matter until I deal with the contempt issue first.”
She also warned:
“I have the power to summon all parties to appear. If counsel or litigants continue to disrespect this court, I won’t hesitate.”
The battle stems from a February 20 Senate seating dispute, followed by Natasha’s sexual harassment claims against Akpabio on national TV, and her subsequent suspension by the Senate despite an active court injunction.
Why This Matters
This is no ordinary court spat—it’s a constitutional test of whether lawmakers are above court orders, and if parliament can enforce suspension without due process.
As both sides weaponize contempt charges, legal experts warn:
“We’re approaching uncharted territory where politics meets outright judicial rebellion.”
