Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Senate to immediately recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, ruling that her six-month suspension was excessive and unlawful.
Delivering judgment, Justice Nyako held that the Senate overreached its authority, faulting both Chapter 8 of its Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. She noted these provisions failed to specify a maximum suspension period, making them susceptible to abuse.
The court stated that with senators constitutionally mandated to sit for only 181 days per legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension effectively deprived her constituents of representation for nearly the entire session—an outcome it deemed disproportionate and unjust.
While affirming the Senate’s right to discipline its members, Justice Nyako emphasized that sanctions must not be so severe that they undermine the democratic right of constituents to be represented.
The court also addressed the March 5, 2025, plenary incident, ruling that Senate President Godswill Akpabio acted within his rights by denying Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor, since she was not seated in her assigned position. The court instructed her to apologize to the Senate for the disruption.
In addition, the court fined Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦5 million for violating an earlier order that barred public commentary on the case. She was also ordered to publish an apology in two national newspapers within seven days.
Background
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a public fallout with Senate President Akpabio over seat arrangements during the February 20 plenary. The dispute escalated after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office—claims he has strongly denied.
The Senate disciplinary committee dismissed her petition, citing procedural errors. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and re-submitted her petition the following day.
Their clash traces back to July 2024, when Akpabio issued a public apology to her over a controversial nightclub remark made during a Senate session.
The senator is currently also facing two unrelated cases of cybercrime and defamation in separate courts in Abuja.
