Court Nullifies Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The ruling declared the suspension excessive, unconstitutional, and an infringement on the rights of her constituents.
Justice Binta Nyako, delivering the judgment on Friday, ordered her immediate recall and imposed a fine of ₦5 million on the senator for contempt of court over a satirical Facebook post directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Vows to Resume Plenary Despite Senate’s Delay
In a viral video shared on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan told her supporters she would resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, following the court’s favorable ruling.
“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she said.
However, the Senate, through its Committee on Media and Public Affairs, insisted it would not take any official position until it received and reviewed the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
Senate Statement: Awaiting Legal Clarification
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, said that although Senate legal representatives were present during the proceedings, the full judgment was not read in open court.
“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” Adaramodu stated in a press release on Sunday.
Background: Suspension Over Harassment Allegation
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after a heated Senate plenary where she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The move triggered backlash from civil society organisations and human rights advocates, who described it as a silencing tactic.
The senator subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Senate leadership, claiming her suspension was politically motivated and aimed at disenfranchising her constituents in Kogi Central.
Contempt Charge Over Facebook Post
A key part of the ruling centered on a Facebook post Akpoti-Uduaghan made on April 27, which the court viewed as a breach of an interim gag order issued on March 4, 2025. The post was a satirical “apology” to Akpabio, which Justice Nyako ruled was linked to the ongoing legal battle.
Although her legal team argued that the post was unrelated to the case, the judge disagreed and fined the senator ₦5 million for contempt. The court also directed her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and repost it on her Facebook page within seven days.
As of Monday evening, Akpoti-Uduaghan had yet to comply with the court’s directive.
What’s Next? Senate Awaits Certified Judgment
With rising tensions and the possibility of a showdown at the National Assembly, all eyes are on the Senate’s next move. Legal analysts suggest that once the Certified True Copy is obtained and reviewed, the Senate will have to decide whether to comply with the ruling or challenge it.
For now, the political standoff between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership signals a deepening divide within the upper legislative chamber.
