Court
Senate Crisis Deepens as Court Adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suit Against Akpabio
By Our Correspondent
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the lawsuit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate leadership to March 25, 2025, prolonging an intense legal and political confrontation between the Kogi Central senator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The case, which has drawn nationwide attention, stems from Natasha’s controversial six-month suspension from the Senate—a move she insists was politically motivated and a direct attempt to silence her.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
During Monday’s court session, Justice James Omotosho confirmed that all parties had been properly served with legal documents. However, the judge ruled to adjourn the case to allow for a harmonization of legal arguments before the next hearing.
Legal analysts suggest that the adjournment could offer both sides the opportunity to refine their positions as the case moves towards a full hearing.
Background of the Crisis
Senator Natasha, a vocal critic of the Akpabio-led Senate, found herself at the center of controversy after raising concerns about what she described as the mismanagement of Senate affairs under Akpabio’s leadership.
She publicly questioned the allocation of resources and the allegedly biased distribution of constituency projects, sparking tension within the legislative chamber.
Despite a court order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her, the committee proceeded with its probe.
It later submitted a report recommending her suspension—a recommendation that the Senate swiftly enforced.
Allegations of Political Persecution
Observers believe Natasha’s suspension was engineered to silence dissent within the Senate, as she remains one of the few lawmakers openly challenging Akpabio’s leadership style.
Her legal team has described the suspension as unconstitutional and a blatant violation of her rights, arguing that no senator should be punished for performing their oversight duties.
Civil society organizations and opposition lawmakers have also condemned the move, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
Akpabio’s Defense and the Growing Backlash
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the Senate’s decision, maintaining that Natasha’s suspension followed due process. He denied any political witch-hunt, insisting that the Senate leadership acted within its constitutional powers.
However, the backlash has been intense. Apart from opposition senators, some ruling party lawmakers have also distanced themselves from the decision, signaling growing discontent within the legislative ranks.
What Happens Next?
As the legal battle drags on, all eyes are on the judiciary to determine whether Natasha’s suspension will be overturned or if the Senate’s decision will stand.
The March 25 hearing is expected to be a turning point in the case, as it will provide clarity on the legal and constitutional implications of suspending an elected lawmaker.
For now, the crisis within the Senate continues to deepen, raising concerns about legislative independence, political accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Court
Gombe Court Grants Bail to Woman Over Alleged Stolen Property
By Our Court Reporter
Chief Magistrate Court No. 1 in Gombe, presided over by Chief Magistrate Hon. Musa Saleh Kilawa, has granted bail to a 55-year-old woman, Antine Amadu, of Dawaki Quarters, Gombe, who is facing a charge of allegedly receiving stolen property.
The defendant was arraigned before the court over allegations that she dishonestly received a gallon of Turkey oil valued at N60,000 from one Ibrahim Umar Hassan of Ajiya Quarters, Gombe.
The prosecution told the court that the oil had allegedly been stolen from one Haruna Mohammed Magaji, also of Ajiya Quarters, Gombe.
According to the charge, the alleged offence was committed on 27th August 2026 at about 1:00 a.m.
The State Counsel and Prosecutor, Barrister Hafsat Aliyu, told the court that the alleged offence contravened Section 317 of the Penal Code Law.
When the charge was read and explained to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
Following her plea, the court granted the defendant bail pending further proceedings in the matter.
Chief Magistrate Musa Saleh Kilawa subsequently adjourned the case to 14th September 2026 for hearing.
The defendant remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
Court
Gombe Court Bails Engineer Sulaiman Shera Danwawu Over Alleged False EFCC Arrest Claim Against Jamilu Gwamna
By Our Court Reporter
The Gombe Chief Magistrate’s Court No. 1, presided over by Magistrate Musa Saleh Kilawa, has granted bail to Engineer Suleiman Ibrahim Danwawu of Manawachi Quarters, Gombe, who is facing charges bordering on alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
Engineer Danwawu was arraigned over allegations that he, alongside Abba Sani Pantami and Hafiz Aliyu Kabade, who are currently at large, published and reproduced what the prosecution described as false statements on their respective Facebook accounts concerning Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, a gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State.
According to the prosecution, the alleged publication, made on July 28, 2026, falsely claimed that Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion of funds belonging to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The prosecution alleged that the publication was made with the intention of causing harm to Dr. Gwamna’s reputation, or with knowledge or reason to believe that the statement could damage his reputation.
Presenting the case before the court, the State Counsel and Prosecutor, Barrister B. A. Mahmoud, said the alleged offences contravened Sections 79, 391 and 393 of the Penal Code Law.
When the charges were read and explained to him, Engineer Dawawu pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Following his plea, his counsel, Barrister Emma Dilos Lasmadas, applied for his bail pursuant to Section 36(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Section 177(1) of the Gombe State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2020.
After considering the bail application, the court granted Engineer Dawawu bail subject to conditions which he is required to fulfil.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until August 31, 2026, for hearing.
The case remains before the court, and the allegations against the defendant are yet to be proven. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Court
Hamma saleh vs Pantami: Federal High Court Reserves Judgment in Gombe PDP Governorship Dispute
By Our Court Reporter
The Federal High Court No. 1, Gombe, presided over by Hon. Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, has reserved judgment in the suit filed by Alhaji Hamma saleh Abdulkadir, challenging the emergence of Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.
The matter, which was first heard on 9 July 2026, came up for continuation on Thursday, 23 July 2026.
At the previous sitting, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barrister S. O. Onaghba, applied for an extension of time to enable him regularise his processes before the court. The application was granted, and the case was adjourned to 23 July 2026 for hearing.
At Thursday’s proceedings, all parties moved their respective preliminary objections and adopted their final written addresses.
Appearing for the parties were Barrister Toli Babalele and his legal team for the plaintiff, Mr. A. A. Ajibade, SAN, for the PDP, A. G. Kahinde, SAN, for Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and Barrister S. O. Onaghba for INEC.
Among those present in court were the plaintiff, Alhaji Hammasale Abdulkadir, the PDP State Secretary, Alhaji Adamu Haruna Abubakar, and the party’s State Organising Secretary, Hassan Mohammed Santana.
After listening to submissions from all counsel, Hon. Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed reserved the matter for judgment. A date for the judgment is expected to be communicated to the parties.
The case is being closely watched by political stakeholders across Gombe State, as the outcome is expected to have significant implications for the PDP’s preparations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
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