Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed a suit challenging the legality of the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, was filed by Ovavu Illiyasu and nine others against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate, contesting the validity of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension because it disenfranchised the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
However, in his ruling on Friday, Justice Omotosho held that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (the legal right to initiate the case), as they were not directly affected in a way that granted them standing to sue.
“The plaintiffs do not have the legal capacity to institute this action,” the judge ruled, subsequently dismissing the case for lack of merit.
Suspension and Return to Office
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, over alleged violations of Senate standing rules. During the suspension, her office (Suite 2.05) in the Senate Wing of the National Assembly was sealed.
Despite the suspension, she insisted that she continued to serve her constituents, stating that her commitment to legislative duties never wavered.
On September 23, she officially returned to her office following the completion of her suspension period. The Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, unsealed her office, symbolising her reinstatement.
Her return was met with cheers from supporters, who accompanied her from the FCT High Court, where she was attending a defamation case filed against her by Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Senate’s Position and Ongoing Legal Battle
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier challenged her suspension in court, seeking an early resumption of duties. However, the Senate maintained that no review of her suspension would occur until court proceedings were concluded.
The Senate has defended its decision, citing the need to uphold its internal rules and protect the institution’s integrity. The case now awaits further legal determination, potentially at the Court of Appeal.
Although the Senate is currently on recess, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement and the court’s dismissal of the lawsuit mark a significant turn in the ongoing dispute.
