In a Notice of Disobedience of Court Order, signed by the Court Registrar in accordance with Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, the Federal High Court in Abuja has warned the contemnors about their deliberate disregard for a ruling by Justice O.A. Egwuatu on March 4, 2025.

The Form 48, issued under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, names the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President (Godswill Akpabio), and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct (Senator Neda Imasuem) as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants/contemnors, respectively.

Court Warns of Imprisonment for Contempt

The court stated that the disobedience of its ruling places Akpabio, Senator Imasuem, and the Clerk of the National Assembly at risk of imprisonment unless they comply with the directive.

According to the court, despite being officially served with the enrolled order on March 5, 2025, the defendants/contemnors have wilfully disregarded its authority and continued with actions in blatant defiance of the court's ruling.

Excerpt from Form 48

“Take notice that, pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, your deliberate disobedience of this Honourable Court’s order—delivered by Hon. Justice O.A. Egwuatu on March 4, 2025—renders you liable for contempt of court, for which you may face imprisonment unless compliance is met.

“Furthermore, despite being duly served with the enrolled order on March 5, 2025, you have defied its directive and proceeded with acts in flagrant disobedience of this Honourable Court’s authority. A copy of the order is attached for reference.”

Court’s Ruling and Injunctions

The court, in its enrolled order upon a motion ex parte dated February 28, 2025, and filed on March 3, 2025, granted the following reliefs:

1. Substituted Service: Permission for the plaintiff/applicant to serve the 2nd defendant/respondents (the Senate) through the Clerk of the National Assembly or by posting the summons at the National Assembly premises or publishing it in two national newspapers.
2. Interim Injunction: An order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuem, from proceeding with an investigation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over an alleged misconduct linked to events during the Senate plenary on February 20, 2025.
3. Show Cause Order: A directive for the 1st–4th defendants to appear before the court and explain why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued against them, barring them from taking further action against the plaintiff.
4. Nullification of Actions: The court declared that any action taken while the suit is pending shall be null, void, and of no effect.

With the court taking a firm stance, the Senate President and others risk severe legal consequences unless they comply with the ruling. The case continues to unfold, drawing widespread attention to the Senate’s actions and the judicial authority overseeing the dispute.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing legal battle.