The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the National Assembly, declaring her six-month suspension by the Senate as unlawful and excessive.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker violated the constitutional rights of her constituents to representation, stating that disciplinary measures within the Senate must not infringe on democratic principles.
“The suspension is excessive,” Justice Nyako said. “Lawmakers are expected to sit for 181 days in a legislative year. Suspending a senator for six months deprives constituents of representation for nearly the entire session.”
The court also invalidated the Senate’s reliance on Chapter 8 of its Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act to justify the suspension, stating that both provisions failed to define a maximum suspension period and could not be used to override constitutional rights.
While the court struck down the suspension, it upheld the decision by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to deny Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor during plenary, noting that the senator was not seated in her designated position at the time. The court ruled that Akpabio acted within his authority.
Justice Nyako further rejected the Senate President’s argument that the judiciary lacked jurisdiction over the matter, affirming that courts have a responsibility to step in when fundamental rights are threatened. “The internal affairs of the Senate cannot be used as a shield when constitutional rights are in question,” the judge stated.
In a separate ruling, the court fined Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦1 million for violating an earlier order that barred both parties from making public statements about the case. She was also directed to publish an apology in two national newspapers within seven days.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year over alleged misconduct during Senate proceedings, a decision that drew criticism and was seen by her supporters as politically motivated.
Following the court’s ruling, the Senate is now compelled to reinstate her, restoring her legislative seat and responsibilities.
