JUDGMENT DATE SET IN SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S SUSPENSION SAGA

F.C.T.Abuja– The Federal High Court in Abuja has announced it will deliver its judgment on June 27, 2025, in the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her six-month suspension by the Senate.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, approached the court seeking to overturn the Senate’s decision to suspend her for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, following a dispute over her assigned seating in the Senate chamber on February 25, 2025. The Senate stated that her suspension, announced on March 5, 2025, was due to her refusal to take her designated seat, disruptive conduct, and disrespectful remarks towards the Senate leadership, as well as her defiance of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.This decision followed her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During today’s proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, the judgment date was set after lawyers representing both Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate adopted their final arguments. Justice Nyako also indicated that the court would rule on pending contempt applications against both Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, as well as preliminary objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was present in court. Her legal team, led by Michael Numan SAN, urged the court to nullify her suspension, arguing it was unlawful.
The Senate, through its counsel, maintained that the suspension was a matter of internal discipline and within its constitutional powers. They accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of disobeying a court order by posting a satirical apology on social media.

Legal experts are closely watching this case, as its outcome could clarify the extent of judicial review over legislative disciplinary actions and further define the separation of powers in Nigeria’s governance.

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Reactions following the judgment date announcement were not immediately available. The Senate has previously defended its action, stating the suspension was solely due to gross misconduct and not related to the sexual harassment allegations.

As the date of judgment draws near, the nation awaits the Federal High Court’s decision on this significant legal and political matter.