Court To Rule October 3 On Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Case

A court in Abuja has fixed October 3, 2025, to deliver judgment on a case challenging the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate.

The legal action was brought by ten residents of the district who say they have been left without a voice in the Senate since the suspension.

The case began after the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan in March 2025, citing gross misconduct during a disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from issues over seating arrangements. Her suspension lasted six months and sparked public debate after she later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, which he denied. The Senate rejected her petition and upheld the disciplinary action.

The matter was brought before the Federal High Court in April by concerned constituents who argue that the suspension stripped them of their constitutional right to be represented in the national legislature. They are demanding that the court declare the suspension unlawful and order the immediate restoration of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and privileges as a senator.

The plaintiffs, represented by Falana and Falana’s Chambers, want the court to set aside the Senate’s action and compel the leadership of the National Assembly to allow the senator return to her seat. They say the decision to suspend her violates their rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The court case also seeks to stop the Senate from taking any further steps that could silence or punish a senator in a way that affects an entire constituency.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Justice James Omotosho said he would consider a recent judgment by another judge, Justice Binta Nyako, who had already ruled that the suspension was unlawful. That earlier judgment pointed out that lawmakers can be disciplined, but sanctions must not prevent them from representing the people who elected them. The judge also ruled that senators are only required to sit for 181 days in a year, so a six-month suspension essentially shuts out a district for a large part of the year.

Although the court ordered her return, the matter took a twist when Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt after she posted a sarcastic apology on social media during the trial. As a result, she was fined ₦5 million and ordered to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within a week.

Despite the ruling, the Senate has yet to reinstate her. Officials say they are waiting to receive the official copy of the court’s judgment and confirm that she has complied with all the court’s orders before taking any action.

Now, all eyes are on the Federal High Court as residents of Kogi Central await a decision that could restore their voice in the Senate and possibly shift the way legislative discipline is handled in Nigeria.