Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 27, 2025, to deliver judgment in the contempt claims filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in an ongoing suit brought by the embattled lawmaker.
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the session on Tuesday, announced the date after hearing submissions from the parties involved, including lead counsel Michael Numa, SAN, who appeared for Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan, and legal representatives of the defendants.
The judge stated that she would first determine the issues of contempt before considering the preliminary objections raised by the defendants—including the Senate President—who are challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
“What I am going to do is to first of all look at the issues of contempt and take a decision on it,” Justice Nyako said.
“Then I will look at the notices of preliminary objection. If they succeed, that is the end of the case, and if they don’t, I will look at the originating summons filed by the plaintiff.”
The court proceedings were closely watched, with Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, present in court to observe the hearing.
Earlier, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had reported that Justice Nyako set Tuesday’s hearing date to consider the contempt charge filed by Akpabio against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The court was also scheduled to hear a prior contempt application brought by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, the Senate, and others, alleging disobedience to a previous court order.
Justice Nyako confirmed that all pending applications—including the contempt proceedings, preliminary objections, and originating summons—would be taken together for judgment on June 27.
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