Senate Responds to Court Order Mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Process

Senate Awaits Certified Court Judgment on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Ruling

The Senate has formally acknowledged the Federal High Court ruling directing the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended earlier this year. However, it clarified that it has not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment necessary for taking further action.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended in March for a period of six months following allegations of misconduct during a plenary session held on February 20. The suspension was based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, and was endorsed by a unanimous vote from her colleagues.

Challenging the decision in court, the senator sought judicial review of the Senate’s actions. In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja held that the six-month suspension was disproportionate and therefore unlawful.

Responding to the development, a spokesperson for the Senate said the legislative body would review the ruling once the official copy of the judgment is received. “As an institution that respects the rule of law, the Senate will act in accordance with the judgment after examining the Certified True Copy,” the official noted.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not publicly commented on the ruling as of press time.

Court Faults Suspension, Fines Akpoti-Uduaghan for Contempt

In its judgment, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months was excessive, stating that such a lengthy punitive action effectively disenfranchised the constituents of Kogi Central for nearly a full legislative session.

Additionally, the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt over a satirical Facebook post she published on April 27 while the case was still under judicial consideration. Justice Binta Nyako imposed a fine of ₦5 million and ordered the senator to issue a public apology in two national newspapers as well as on her Facebook page within seven days of the ruling.

Senate Awaits Full Court Ruling Before Acting on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

While the court found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of civil contempt, it declined to impose a custodial sentence, noting the offence was not criminal in nature.

Reacting to the ruling, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, in a statement on Sunday, acknowledged the judgment but emphasized that the Senate would refrain from any official action until it receives and thoroughly reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the decision.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment,” Adaramodu stated.

Senate Seeks Full Judgement to Clarify Court Position on Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu has disclosed that the Senate’s legal team, which was present at the court session, confirmed that the full judgment was not delivered in open court.

As a result, he said the Senate has formally applied for the Certified True Copy (CTC) to enable a comprehensive review of the ruling and determine its next course of action.

“Our legal representatives, who attended the proceedings, confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court. Accordingly, we have requested the CTC to allow a thorough evaluation and informed response—especially given the lack of clarity on whether the court expressly nullified Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension,” Adaramodu stated.

He added that the Senate would hold off on any decision until the full document is reviewed, emphasizing its commitment to the rule of law. “Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and guided by legal counsel, the Senate will refrain from any actions that could compromise its legal standing. We remain committed to acting strictly within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution, once the court’s pronouncements are fully clarified,” he said.