Abuja Court Overturns Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Orders Immediate Recall

A Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned the suspension of Kogi State Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and directed the Senate to reinstate her without delay.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Fatima Nyako ruled that the senator’s six-month suspension was unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of her constituents to adequate representation in the National Assembly.

The court declared the Senate’s action as “unlawful and contrary to the provisions of the Constitution,” ordering that Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her legislative duties as the duly elected senator for Kogi State.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had taken legal action against the Senate, challenging her suspension, which she argued breached her constitutional rights and undermined democratic representation.

The Senate had upheld her suspension during an executive session on March 12, accusing her of violating its Standing Rules. The suspension, which was set to last six months, came shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

The court’s decision marks a significant victory for the embattled senator and raises further questions about the Senate’s handling of internal disciplinary matters.

With the court order now in place, the Senate is expected to comply by recalling Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative responsibilities.