A Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated the six‑month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, deeming it an excessive and constitutionally questionable measure that effectively silenced her constituents . Justice Binta Nyako held that while the Senate possesses disciplinary powers, using its rules to impose a suspension equivalent to the total sitting period of the National Assembly—approximately 181 days—oversteps its authority.
However, Justice Nyako also found Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan in contempt of court for posting a “satirical apology” on Facebook on April 27, in violation of a gag order barring public commentary on the lawsuit . As a result, she was fined ₦5 million and ordered to publish an unreserved apology in two national newspapers as well as on her Facebook page within seven days to purge the contemptuous act .
The lawsuit originated in March when Akpoti‑Uduaghan challenged the Senate’s investigative and disciplinary processes, which followed a plenary dispute involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and allegations of sexual harassment made by the senator . Despite an earlier court restraining the Senate, it proceeded to suspend her on March 6. In overturning that suspension, the court emphasized that such disciplinary actions cannot compromise a senator’s constitutional duty to represent their constituents .
The judgement orders the Senate to recall Akpoti‑Uduaghan to the chamber within seven days, and formally ends her suspension—though she must comply with the contempt penalties first . The case highlights the ongoing tension between legislative autonomy and constitutional rights, reaffirming judicial oversight when internal parliamentary actions threaten representation and due process.
