Senate Bars Natasha’s Return, Cites Pending Court Case

The National Assembly has blocked Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan from resuming her duties, despite the expiration of her six months suspension.

The Kogi Central senator had formally notified the Assembly that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, had lapsed. 

But in a response signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, she was informed that her case remains before the Court of Appeal and therefore sub judice.

“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal,” the letter read in part. “Until the judicial process is completed, and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”

Although the National Assembly is currently on recess, the communication stressed that her resumption cannot proceed until the appellate court delivers its judgment and the Senate deliberates on the outcome.

This is not the first attempt by Senator Natasha to return to office. On July 12 she tried to resume following a Federal High Court judgment directing the Senate to review her suspension, but she was denied access. Both parties, Senator Natasha and the National Assembly, have since appealed aspects of that judgment, which remain before the Court of Appeal.