Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Challenged in Court, Judgment Set for June 27
Abuja, May 14, 2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is challenging her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate in the Federal High Court, Abuja. The court has scheduled June 27, 2025, for the delivery of judgment on the suit, which contests the legality of her suspension and related disciplinary actions.
Background of the Suspension and Legal Challenge
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber. The suspension was based on a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which accused her of gross misconduct, including speaking without permission and refusal to occupy her assigned seat.
The suspension entailed withdrawal of her salary, allowances, and security, as well as barring her from accessing the National Assembly premises. Her office was locked, and her legislative aides’ salaries were also withheld during the suspension period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment in a television interview, an allegation he vehemently denied. The Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her complaint, and the suspension followed soon after.
Court Proceedings and Contempt Allegations
Despite an initial court order restraining the Senate from disciplinary action, the Senate proceeded with the suspension. Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a suit seeking to halt the investigation and suspension, naming the Senate, Senate President Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and the Ethics Committee Chairman as defendants.
During the court process, the case was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako after the original judge recused himself over bias allegations. All parties have filed their written addresses, and closing arguments were adopted on May 13, 2025.
The court will first rule on contempt applications and preliminary objections filed by the defendants, which, if upheld, could end the case without a full hearing on the merits.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers argue that the suspension violates her constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and natural justice. They contend that the Senate’s disciplinary process was unlawful and politically motivated.
Public and Legal Reactions
The suspension has sparked widespread debate about legislative discipline, gender rights, and due process in Nigeria’s political system. Human rights groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the suspension as unlawful and an abuse of power, urging the Senate to rescind it.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her innocence and vowed to continue serving her constituents despite the suspension, describing the action as an attempt to silence her.
Next Steps
Justice Nyako announced that her judgment on the case, including the contempt and preliminary issues, will be delivered on June 27, 2025. By then, Akpoti-Uduaghan will have served nearly four months of her six-month suspension.
The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for legislative governance, accountability, and the protection of lawmakers’ rights in Nigeria.
