A Senate Committee session turned hostile on March 25, 2025, when Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi clashed with former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili during a hearing on sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tensions flared when Zubairu Yakubu, a petitioner, attempted to speak during the session. After Senate Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen instructed him to mute his microphone, Ezekwesili intervened, which led to a heated exchange.
Nwoebonyi, frustrated with Ezekwesili’s interference, lashed out, saying, “You are a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? You are an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”
Ezekwesili fired back, calling Nwoebonyi a “hooligan,” and the argument escalated, nearly derailing the session.
The heated confrontation ended with the committee concluding the hearing abruptly, citing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was already being addressed in court.
The altercation overshadowed the hearing, which aimed to address allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension.
Her lawyer, Dr. Abiola Akinyode, along with Zubairu Yakubu, represented her during the session.
Senator Imasuen also clarified the reasoning behind ending the hearing, explaining that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial petition was ruled “dead on arrival” and that the matter was now before the court, thus making it impossible to proceed.
The committee ultimately closed the case, much to the frustration of those involved.