By Tgnews Reporter, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate. Justice James Omotosho ruled on Friday that the plaintiffs, Ovavu Illiyasu and nine others, lacked the legal standing to contest the suspension, dismissing the case for lack of merit.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, sought to void the suspension imposed on March 6, 2025, over alleged violations of Senate standing rules. The plaintiffs argued that the suspension deprived Kogi Central of representation and demanded Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate reinstatement. However, Justice Omotosho’s ruling reaffirmed the Senate’s authority to enforce its internal regulations.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her legislative duties on September 23, 2025, after the National Assembly unsealed her office at Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing. The unlocking, overseen by Deputy Director Alabi Adedeji, marked the end of her suspension. Supporters celebrated her return, accompanying her from the FCT High Court, where she was attending a separate defamation case involving Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained she continued her senatorial duties without interruption. The Senate, currently on recess, insists that any review of her suspension awaits a Court of Appeal ruling, emphasizing the need to uphold institutional integrity.
The dismissal of the suit reinforces the Senate’s autonomy in managing internal discipline, while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return signals a new chapter in her legislative tenure. The ongoing legal review at the appellate level will determine the final resolution of this high-profile dispute.
