Kogi Senator Natasha Blocked From Resuming Senate Despite Court Order

Embattled federal lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday made a bold attempt to resume legislative duties at the National Assembly following a recent court judgment mandating her recall.

However, her effort was thwarted by security operatives who barred her entry into the Senate complex in Abuja.

The Kogi Central senator arrived at the National Assembly around noon in a black vehicle but was stopped at the first gate by security officers. After waiting briefly, she alighted from her car and proceeded on foot, flanked by supporters, including renowned activist Aisha Yesufu.

But the second gate also proved impenetrable. Despite pushing through the checkpoint, the group was met with a locked gate that prevented them from accessing the Senate chambers.

Undeterred by the development, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment at being locked out of the legislative complex.

Speaking to journalists after being denied entry, the senator said she would consult her legal team and vowed to continue pressing her right to resume legislative duties, particularly after the Senate’s upcoming two-month recess.

“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order — it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she said earlier during an empowerment programme in Ihima, Kogi State.

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It could be recalled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, for six months over allegations of violating Senate rules. Her suspension followed a heated dispute, during which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim that sparked widespread controversy.

The senator challenged her suspension in court, describing it as illegal and lacking due process. Weeks ago, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in her favour and ordered the Senate to recall her.

Despite the court ruling, Senate President Akpabio filed an appeal, effectively stalling her return to the red chamber.

Following Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement last weekend that she would resume on Tuesday, July 22, the Senate issued a stern warning.

In a statement on Saturday, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu argued that no binding court order currently mandated the Senate to recall the Kogi lawmaker.

“We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process,” Adaramodu said.

He added that the Senate “will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate the same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

Despite the Senate’s stance, supporters of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan argue that her continued exclusion amounts to contempt of court and suppression of democratic representation.

As the battle over her suspension and recall continues, many Nigerians await how the judiciary and legislature will navigate the tension between court rulings and parliamentary autonomy.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her determination to reclaim her seat, stating that justice must prevail. “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming… by the special grace of God,” she declared.