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In a landmark ruling on Friday, July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Senate of Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension as “unduly excessive” and an unjust deprivation of representation for the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The judge emphasized that while the legislature has the authority to discipline its members, the penalty meted out to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was disproportionate and infringed upon the democratic rights of her constituents.

Justice Nyako also urged the Senate to review its internal rules governing disciplinary sanctions to ensure they align with democratic principles and do not overreach the bounds of fairness and due process.

The embattled senator had approached the court in a suit against multiple respondents, including the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Nigerian Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. She challenged her suspension, which was handed down on March 6, 2025, over allegations of misconduct and violation of Senate standing rules.

The controversy stemmed from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to occupy a new seat assigned to her during a plenary session on February 20, a move the Senate viewed as a breach of its order and decorum.

Contempt Fine for Online Conduct

In a twist to the ruling, Justice Nyako found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt of court for a satirical apology she posted on her official Facebook page on April 27, 2025. The court deemed the post a violation of its order issued on April 4, which barred all parties from making public statements about the ongoing proceedings.

As a consequence, the court imposed a fine of N5 million on the senator and ordered her to issue a public apology in two national dailies within seven days, in addition to publishing the same on her Facebook page within two days.

Justice Nyako held that the senator’s action undermined the authority of the court and amounted to a disregard of its orders, which must be respected regardless of public office or position.

Legal and Political Implications

This ruling not only paves the way for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate chambers but also marks a significant legal precedent regarding the scope and limits of legislative disciplinary powers in Nigeria.

Legal analysts note that while the National Assembly has autonomy over its internal affairs, this judgment reinforces the judiciary’s role as a check on potential legislative overreach, particularly when it affects constituents’ rights to representation.

The court had initially fixed June 27 for the judgment but rescheduled it to July 4 due to administrative adjustments.

It is noteworthy that this case is separate from ongoing cybercrime charges recently filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, for which she is currently on bail.

As of press time, the Senate leadership has yet to issue an official response to the court ruling.

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