Kogi-central constituents Sue Senate President Over Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

A group of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District have dragged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate to court over the controversial suspension of their elected representative, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, the lawsuit—spearheaded by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN)—challenges the constitutionality of the six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6. The constituents argue that the suspension violates their fundamental right to political representation.

The senator was suspended following her sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio, which was dismissed by the Senate. According to Neda Imaseun, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, the decision was based on an investigative report that found Akpoti-Uduaghan in “total violation of Senate rules.”

But the plaintiffs—ten concerned citizens from Kogi Central—believe otherwise. They insist that the Senate acted beyond its legal bounds and that the suspension silences their collective voice in national discourse and legislative affairs.

In their filing, the applicants argue that the suspension is not only undemocratic but also a breach of Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which affirms citizens’ rights to participate in governance through freely chosen representatives. The charter has been ratified and domesticated in Nigerian law.

Among the reliefs sought is a declaration that the Senate lacks the authority to suspend an elected senator in a manner that deprives constituents of representation. They are demanding the immediate reinstatement of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s full rights and privileges—including access to her office, participation in Senate activities, and payment of outstanding entitlements.

See Also

Nigerians spend $5.5 million daily on betting as young people struggle to make ends meet in poor economy

Additionally, the plaintiffs are seeking a court injunction to restrain the Senate from taking any further actions that would infringe upon their constitutional rights.

The applicants in the suit include Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Samuel, Umar Oyiza, Megida Sadiq, Siyaka Akinlade, Michael Ademola, and Ananyi Omeiza.