Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that the Senate’s six‑month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) was excessive and unconstitutional, ordering her immediate recall.
The judge struck down key provisions in the Senate’s standing rules and relevant sections of the Legislative Houses’ Powers and Privileges Act.
The court ruled that lawmakers are only required to sit for 181 days in a legislative year. With that in mind, a six‑month suspension effectively removed Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan from her duties for almost the entire term.
“The Senate has the power to punish any of its members who err, but such sanction must not be excessive to deprive the constituents of their right to be represented,” Justice Nyako ruled.
The ruling also addressed whether Senate President Godswill Akpabio was correct to deny Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan the floor during a plenary session where she sat in an unassigned seat.
The court found no fault in that but insisted that she tender an apology to the Senate.
Senator Must Apologise and Pay ₦5 Million Fine
For breaching a court injunction that barred parties from discussing the suspension publicly, the court imposed a ₦5 million fine on Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan.
She has been ordered to publish an apology in two national newspapers and on her official social media page within seven days.
This legal drama stems from an incident on February 20, 2025, when Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan accused Mr Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office during a dispute about seating arrangements. He has strongly denied the allegations.
Days later, on March 5, the Senate’s disciplinary committee dismissed her complaints as “dead on arrival,” citing procedural defects. But she refiled her petition the next day, escalating tensions.
Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan is simultaneously facing two separate suits in Abuja on charges of cybercrime and defamation, further worsening her legal headaches.
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