Court Directs Senate to Recall Suspended Senator Natasha, Cites Excessive Suspension

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ordered the Nigerian Senate to recall suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing her six-month suspension as “excessive and disproportionate.” 

The ruling delivered followed a suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her March 6, 2025, suspension for alleged misconduct, including contempt and sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Justice Nyako ruled that the Senate’s action violated Section 6 of the 2023 Standing Orders, which limits suspensions to 14 days, and ordered her immediate reinstatement with full benefits.

The suspension stemmed from a February 2025 altercation over seating arrangements and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to apologize for her allegations, leading to the withdrawal of her salary and security. 

The court’s decision, supported by 70% of legal experts as a check on legislative overreach, has sparked debates over senatorial discipline, with 2,000 constituents in Kogi Central celebrating outside her office. Senate leadership, led by Akpabio, plans an appeal by July 10, citing procedural autonomy, while Akpoti-Uduaghan hailed the ruling as a victory for justice, vowing to resume legislative duties by July 7.