Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which challenged the legality of the six-month suspension imposed on Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct.
The suit, brought by Ovavu Illiyasu and nine others, was dismissed on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi—legal standing—to initiate the case.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, sought to nullify the suspension, arguing that the Senatorial District would be unfairly disadvantaged and demanding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate reinstatement.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice Omotosho held that the plaintiffs did not have the legal right to bring the matter before the court and dismissed the suit for lack of merit.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan returns after suspension
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her duties at the National Assembly on September 23, following the completion of her six-month suspension, which began on March 6. The suspension was imposed due to an alleged breach of Senate standing rules.
Despite the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that she continued to fulfill her senatorial responsibilities without interruption.
The National Assembly facilitated her return by unsealing her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing—a space that had remained locked throughout the suspension. Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, formally reopened the office, symbolizing her official return to legislative duties.
Her comeback was warmly welcomed by supporters who accompanied her from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, where she had been attending a defamation suit filed by Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Although the Senate is currently in recess, her supporters marked the occasion with celebrations, signaling the end of her suspension period.
Ongoing legal and Senate proceedings
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier sought judicial intervention to cut short her suspension and resume her duties. However, the Senate maintained that the suspension would remain in place until the court process was fully resolved.
The matter is still under legal review, with the Senate stating that no further administrative actions will be taken until a final ruling is issued by the Court of Appeal.
The Senate defended its decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing the importance of upholding its standing rules to preserve the institution’s integrity.
