Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, is the eighth lawmaker to be suspended from the Senate since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
She also ranks third among senators who secured legal reversal of their suspensions through court rulings.
Pinnacle Daily recalls that the Federal High Court in Abuja, on July 3, ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a judgement delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, the court described her six-month suspension as “excessive” and lacking legal grounding.
Justice Nyako faulted Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, declaring both provisions as overreaching.
The court held that neither specified a maximum suspension period for serving lawmakers.
READ ALSO: Court Slams Senate Over Natasha’s Suspension, Orders Recall
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2024 for alleged gross misconduct, following a face-off with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the chamber’s seating arrangement.
Aggrieved by her suspension, she approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the Senate’s action and demanded reinstatement.
Tensions rose further when Natasha, during a national television interview, accused Senate President Akpabio of retaliating against her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Although Natasha has announced that she will resume at the Senate on Tuesday, the Red Chamber has set a condition for her return.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, in reaction to the court’s ruling, maintained that the judgement does not strip the Senate of its constitutional authority to discipline its members.
He said Natasha must tender an apology before the Senate would consider her matter.
This is not the first time the Senate has demanded an apology from a suspended senator. The tradition dates back to 1999, when Senator Femi Okurounmu was suspended and later recalled after he issued a formal apology over his comments.
Will Natasha Follow the Same Path and Apologise? The coming days will tell, and Pinnacle Daily will continue to provide updates as events unfold.
Comprehensive Overview of Nigerian Senators Suspended Since 1999
The issue of senatorial suspension did not begin with Natasha. Since 1999, eight senators have faced suspensions for various reasons. Below is a chronological account of each case:
- Femi Okurounmu (1999)
Senator Femi Okurounmu, representing Ogun Central under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), was the first senator to be suspended after alleging that a group of senators planned to impeach then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He served on the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Affairs and was later reinstated after issuing a formal apology to the Senate.
- Joseph Waku (2000)
Senator Joseph Waku, who represented Benue North-West, was suspended in 2000 after suggesting that a military coup would be preferable to Obasanjo’s civilian rule, which he described as dictatorial.
Waku, an alumnus of the London Institute of Public Relations, served on committees including Senate Services, Works and Housing, Health, Establishment, Water Resources, and Privatisation.
He also held positions in the Benue State House of Assembly and later served as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
He was suspended for one week. Waku passed away on February 3, 2019.
- Arthur Nzeribe (2002)
In November 2002, Senator Arthur Nzeribe, representing Orlu (Imo State), was suspended indefinitely by then-Senate President Pius Anyim over allegations of a ₦22 million fraud. He was later reinstated after further investigations.
A prominent businessman and politician, Nzeribe was born on November 2, 1938, in Oguta, Imo State. He studied technology at Chesterfield College of Technology, England, and chaired the Senate Committee on Health. He was also the architect of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Before politics, Nzeribe had investments in oil broking, property, and construction.
- Isa Mohammed (2004)
Representing Niger South under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Isa Mohammed was suspended in October 2004 for slapping fellow senator Iyabo Anisulowo during a dispute over committee funds.
He later publicly apologised to Anisulowo, her family, Nigerian women, and the entire National Assembly, describing his actions as influenced by the devil. His suspension lasted two weeks, and he was reinstated without a court case.
Born in 1948, Mohammed served in the Senate from 1999 to 2007.
- Ali Ndume (2017)
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, was suspended in 2017 after raising concerns about the alleged importation of a bulletproof Range Rover with fake documents involving Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.
Following an investigation by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Ndume was suspended for one year, later reduced to six months.
He challenged the decision in court, and the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the suspension unlawful and unconstitutional. The court also ordered the payment of his withheld entitlements.
Ndume was first elected in 2003 to represent Gwoza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he later became Minority Leader.
- Ovie Omo-Agege (2018)
In 2018, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was suspended after he claimed that a proposed amendment to the 2010 Electoral Act, changing the sequence of elections, was aimed at frustrating then-President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election.
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges recommended a suspension of 181 legislative days, which was reduced to 90 by Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Omo-Agege challenged the action in court. The court ruled that the Senate had no authority to suspend any member beyond 14 days. He was reinstated and received all withheld allowances.
Born on August 3, 1963, in Delta State, Omo-Agege studied law at the University of Benin and joined the Senate in 2015, representing Delta Central.
- Ahmed Ningi (2024)
Senator Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, was suspended on March 12, 2024, for three months after alleging that the 2024 national budget was inflated by ₦3 trillion. He also stepped down as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF).
Ningi began his legislative career in the House of Representatives in 1999, chairing various committees, including those on NAFDAC, teacher education, and solid minerals. He later served as majority leaderd held memberships in global parliamentary bodies, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Pan-African Parliament.
- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (2024)
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the PDP, was suspended in March 2024 for six months following an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.
She became the third senator—after Ndume and Omo-Agege—to secure a court ruling overturning her suspension.
On July 3, 2024, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the suspension “excessive” and ordered her immediate reinstatement.
While Natasha has announced her intention to resume office on Tuesday, the Senate insists that she must tender a public apology before her return will be considered.
Unlike Ndume and Omo-Agege, who returned seamlessly after favourable court judgements, Natasha’s resumption remains in doubt due to the Senate’s objection and demand for contrition.
Though Natasha has declared her intention to resume on Tuesday, the Senate insists she must apologise first. Her case mirrors those of Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege, who were both reinstated through court orders.
The Senate’s history of suspending its members and the judiciary’s occasional intervention continue to stir debate about the limits of legislative power.
As Senator Natasha prepares for her return, the coming week may set another precedent in the ongoing tug-of-war in the Senate.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
