Court Strikes Out Case Challenging Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate, contesting the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, was instituted by Ovavu Illiyasu and nine others, who argued that the suspension of their representative for six months would leave Kogi Central Senatorial District without proper representation. They asked the court to void the decision and order her recall.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (legal standing) to challenge the suspension, and consequently struck out the case for lack of merit.

Suspension and Return

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, over alleged violation of Senate standing rules. During this period, her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing was sealed.

On September 23, the National Assembly officially reopened her office, with Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, supervising the unsealing. Supporters accompanied her in celebration as she marked her return to legislative duties, despite the Senate currently being on recess.

Legal Battle Continues

Although the Senate lifted the suspension after six months, Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier approached the court to challenge the action and seek reinstatement. The Senate, however, maintained that no administrative review would take place until judicial processes are concluded.

The matter is now pending at the Court of Appeal, even as the Senate continues to defend its decision, insisting that disciplinary measures are necessary to uphold the integrity of the institution.