The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Nigerian Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from legislative duties on March 6, 2025.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, July 4, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on the senator representing Kogi Central was “excessive and unconstitutional,” effectively denying her constituents their right to representation.
The court emphasized that while the Senate possesses the authority to discipline its members, such actions must not infringe on democratic rights or overreach constitutional limits. Justice Nyako noted that Nigeria’s legislature is mandated to sit for 181 days per session, and a six-month suspension would essentially sideline a senator for nearly the entire session.
“The people of Kogi Central cannot be denied their voice in the Senate through an excessive disciplinary measure,” she said.
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The court invalidated the provisions of Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Orders and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act to the extent that they permit indefinite or overly prolonged suspensions without clear limits.
However, Justice Nyako upheld Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s decision to deny Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor during a plenary sitting, stating that it was within the Senate’s rules since she was not seated in her officially designated seat at the time.
The judge also dismissed Akpabio’s claim that the matter was purely internal and outside the court’s jurisdiction, affirming the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional rights, especially when public representation is at stake.
Meanwhile, the court imposed a fine on Akpoti-Uduaghan for violating an earlier order restraining both parties from making public statements on the case. The penalty, running into several million naira, reflects the court’s stance on respecting judicial processes.
