Court Fixes Date For Natasha’s Suit Judgment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to October 3 for judgment in a case filed on behalf of the Kogi Central senatorial district challenging the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice James Omotosho heard the case on Tuesday, July 8.

The applicants, represented by Falana & Falana’s Chambers, are seeking several declarations, including that they have been denied representation in the Senate due to the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

They also seek an order setting aside the suspension and mandating the respondents to restore all rights and privileges accruing to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as a Senator.

The suit, which commenced by way of Originating Motion-On-Notice dated and filed on April 4, is between Hon. Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Musa Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Oladimeji Samuel, Umar Hajarat Oyiza, Megida Lukman Sadiq, Siyaka Liyasu Akinlade, Michael Paul Ademola and Ananyi Lukman Omeiza as 1st to 10th Applicants respectively and the Senate President as the 1st Respondent and he Senate as the 2nd Respondent.

They also seek an order setting aside the suspension and mandating the respondents to restore all rights and privileges accruing to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as a Senator.

The suit, which commenced by way of Originating Motion-On-Notice dated and filed on April 4, is between Hon. Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Musa Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Oladimeji Samuel, Umar Hajarat Oyiza, Megida Lukman Sadiq, Siyaka Liyasu Akinlade, Michael Paul Ademola and Ananyi Lukman Omeiza as 1st to 10th Applicants respectively and the Senate President as the 1st Respondent and he Senate as the 2nd Respondent.

The suit is brought pursuant to Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Ratification and Enforcement Act CAP A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Order II, Order XI and XII of the Fundamental Right (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.

During the court proceeding on Tuesday, the presiding Judge, Justice Omotosho, stated that he would like to study the recent judgment given by Justice Binta Nyako in another case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, given its potential impact on the reliefs being sought before him.

However, the respondents, represented by Ahmad B. Eleburuike Esq., did not object to the applicants’ request to file written submissions after receiving the judgment of Justice Nyako, which the judge agreed to.

According to a court document obtained by SaharaReporters, the applicants’ reliefs include: “A DECLARATION that by virtue of Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the Applicants are entitled to participate freely in the government of Nigeria, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the law.

A DECLARATION that by virtue of Article 13 (1) of the African Charter on Human Peoples’ Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 of the LFN 2004, the Respondents lacks the powers to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in any manner whatsoever and howsoever.

A DECLARATION that the purported suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Respondents for a six (6) months period constitutes a violation of the right of the Applicants to participate freely in the government of Nigeria as guaranteed by Article 13(1) of the African Charter On Human Peoples’ Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 of the LFN 2004.

AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT setting aside the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Respondents

AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT mandating the Respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever including the Clerk of the National Assembly to immediately restore all the rights and privileges accruing to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate forthwith, including her right of access into the National Assembly Complex, her right to participate in the daily sitting of the Senate and make contribution to debates on the floor of the Senate, her right to access and make use of her allotted office space in the National Assembly and payment of her outstanding entitlements.

“AN INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from carrying out any acts or omissions which may result in the contravention or likely contravention of the fundamental rights of the Applicants.”

Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to October 3 for judgment.

In March 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate for six months over alleged gross misconduct. The suspension stemmed from a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding seating arrangements.

She later accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, which he denied. The Senate dismissed her petition and proceeded with disciplinary action.

However, on July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Nyako, ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.

The court emphasised that the Senate has the right to discipline members. However, such sanctions must not deprive constituents of representation, especially since senators are only required to sit for 181 days per legislative year.

The court nullified the suspension and ordered the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Despite winning the case, the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for posting a satirical apology on Facebook during the trial.

She was ordered to pay a ₦5 million fine and publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.

The Senate has not yet reinstated her, citing the need to receive and review the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stated that reinstatement would only be considered after she complies with the court’s directives.