A group of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate, challenging the six-month suspension of their representative, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan after rejecting a sexual harassment petition she submitted against Akpabio. Neda Imaseun, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, stated that the panel’s report followed an investigation that found her in “total violation of Senate rules.”
The legal action, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, argues that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension violates the constituents’ constitutional right to political representation.
Represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, the applicants contend that the suspension, issued on March 6, undermines democratic principles and breaches Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to participate freely in their government through elected representatives.
The plaintiffs assert that the senator’s suspension has effectively silenced the voice of Kogi Central in national debates and legislative processes. They argue that the Senate acted without lawful justification and overstepped its authority.
The constituents are seeking a declaration that the Senate lacks the authority to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan under Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 of the LFN 2004. They also demand that her suspension be nullified and that her full rights and privileges be restored, including access to her office, participation in Senate proceedings, and payment of outstanding entitlements. Additionally, they are seeking an injunction to prevent the respondents from taking any actions that would violate their fundamental rights.
The applicants include Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Samuel, Umar Oyiza, Megida Sadiq, Siyaka Akinlade, Michael Ademola, and Ananyi Omeiza.
As of now, no date has been set for the hearing.
