Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has completed a six month suspension slammed on her by the Senate. The suspension came to an end on September 5, 2025.
Consequently, Natasha will join her colleagues in resuming on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to begin another legislative session.
The Senator’s suspension came on March 6, 2025, after being accused and found guilty of gross misconduct and violation of Senate rules.
During the period of suspension, Natasha was barred from legislative activities, from entering the National Assembly complex and the use of official resources.
Natasha had claimed that her ordeal stemmed from her accusing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
In July, the senator and her legal team attempted to enforce a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which declared her suspension “excessive.”
The court had faulted both the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, saying that neither specified a limit on suspensions.
Since lawmakers sit for only 181 days annually, the judge ruled that a six-month suspension effectively denied her constituents representation.
While the judgment affirmed the Senate’s right to sanction members, it warned against excessive punishment. It also upheld Akpabio’s authority to regulate plenary seating and speaking rights.
