The political storm surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan took a dramatic turn on Friday after the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the six-month suspension slammed on her by the Senate. But while the court described the disciplinary action as excessive, it also found the Kogi Central senator guilty of contempt, ordering her to pay a N5 million fine and publish apologies in two national dailies and on her Facebook page.
Delivering judgment, Binta Nyako ruled that although the Senate possesses the constitutional power to discipline its members, such sanctions must not infringe on the rights of constituents to be represented in parliament. She noted that with the Senate constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension effectively deprived the people of Kogi Central of representation.
“The court is not saying the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member,” Nyako said. “However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament.”
The judge faulted provisions in Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, describing them as overreaching for failing to set limits on suspension periods.
But in a twist, Nyako also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt for a satirical apology she posted on her Facebook page on April 27, mocking Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The judge ruled that the post breached an earlier court order barring parties from making public comments on the case. As a result, Akpoti-Uduaghan was ordered to pay N5 million and tender unreserved apologies in two newspapers and on social media within seven days.
The court’s decision followed a legal battle that began in March after the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged gross misconduct stemming from a heated altercation over her seat allocation, which later escalated into sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio—claims he has vehemently denied and which the Senate dismissed on two occasions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, to challenge the suspension. Despite an initial restraining order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, the Senate proceeded to suspend her on March 6. In response, she filed contempt charges against Akpabio and other Senate officials.
The matter attracted intense media scrutiny, both locally and internationally, particularly after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s explosive claims of sexual harassment, which added another layer of public interest and controversy.
Senate Insists on Compliance Before Reinstatement
Reacting to the judgment, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the Red Chamber would not immediately reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan. He stressed that the court did not strip the Senate of its powers to discipline erring members but only found the suspension duration excessive.
“The court said the Senate has the right to discipline its members. It didn’t oust our statutory powers,” Adaramodu maintained. “The onus is now on her to comply with the court order—to apologise publicly as directed. After she does that, the Senate will sit to consider her case and decide on her return.”
Political Reactions
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commended the judgment and praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for seeking judicial redress. In a post on his verified X handle, Atiku hailed Justice Nyako’s courage for “lifting the obnoxious suspension,” describing it as a win for the rule of law and a stand for women’s representation in a chamber where they are already underrepresented.
“No price should be too high in the pursuit of justice and the assertion of one’s rights,” Atiku declared.
