BREAKING: CTC of Natasha’s Suit Against Senate Released, Clarifies Court’s Recall Directive

A Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Nigerian Senate has been made public, shedding light on the legal position regarding her controversial suspension and the subsequent recall debate.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the judgment, issued on Friday, July 4, 2025, has generated significant public interest, particularly due to conflicting interpretations that followed the court’s pronouncement. The 12-point decision provides a clearer legal perspective on the actions of the Senate and the rights of the suspended lawmaker.

Background of the Case

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), filed the suit after her suspension by the Senate on March 6, 2025. The legal action was instituted against the Clerk of the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

Her suspension followed accusations of misconduct, including failure to sit in her assigned seat during plenary, and making what the Senate called “unsubstantiated” allegations. Notably, her suspension came shortly after she submitted a petition accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment—a development that escalated the matter into the public domain.

Court Did Not Mandate Senate to Lift Suspension

According to the judgment now obtained, the Federal High Court did not issue a direct order compelling the Senate to lift her suspension. Instead, Justice Nyako advised the Senate to consider recalling the senator in the interest of her constituents and constitutional representation.

The Court found the six-month suspension to be “excessive and overreaching,” stating that it essentially deprived her constituency of representation for 180 legislative days—an act Justice Nyako said could violate Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.

Key Excerpts from the Judgment

Below are major highlights from the Certified True Copy of the ruling:

• The court acknowledged that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan breached a prior court order and ordered her to pay a ₦5 million fine to the Federal Government Treasury. She was also directed to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within 7 days.
• The court upheld the preliminary objections in part, noting that while some elements of her suit may be inchoate, issues involving breach or anticipated breach of fundamental rights are valid causes of action.
• Senate Rules were upheld as superior to the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act, especially where the two appear to conflict. The Senate President retains full discretion to allocate or re-allocate seats to members.
• The court emphasized that a senator must occupy their assigned seat to benefit from privileges or raise points of privilege during plenary.
• Justice Nyako also ruled that the Senate can amend its rules or the Legislative Houses Act, if needed, to avoid excessive or unconstitutional penalties.
• Critically, she stated: “The Senate has the power to, and I believe should, recall the Plaintiff and allow her to resume representing the people who sent her there to represent them.”

Controversy Over Interpretation

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the certified judgment provides a more balanced context than earlier interpretations. While it did not invalidate the suspension outright, it raised serious constitutional concerns and strongly advised corrective legislative action.

The ruling appears to reinforce the Senate’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs, while at the same time reminding lawmakers of their constitutional obligations to their constituencies.

Political and Legal Implications

The judgment is expected to reignite debate over legislative accountability and the extent of judicial oversight over parliamentary conduct.

Legal analysts believe the Court struck a delicate balance—upholding Senate procedure while cautioning against disproportionate punishment.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team has yet to issue an official statement following the release of the full judgment. Meanwhile, there is growing pressure on the Senate leadership to act on the court’s advisory position and facilitate her return.

The Senate has also not responded to the CTC’s release or indicated whether it intends to appeal or comply with the court’s recommendations.

TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor developments on this story and provide updates as they unfold.