A group of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District have dragged the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Nigerian Senate before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the suspension of their senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The legal action, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, is challenging the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, which the Senate imposed following a rejected sexual harassment petition she filed against Akpabio. The suit, led by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), argues that the suspension violates the constituents’ constitutional right to representation.
Neda Imaseun, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, had announced the suspension in March, citing what he called a “total violation of Senate rules” by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. 
However, the plaintiffs argue that the Senate’s decision lacks lawful justification and contravenes democratic principles. They are invoking Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to freely participate in government through elected representatives.
“The suspension has effectively silenced the voice of Kogi Central in national debates and legislative processes,” the suit states, accusing the Senate of overreaching its powers.
The applicants — Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Samuel, Umar Oyiza, Megida Sadiq, Siyaka Akinlade, Michael Ademola, and Ananyi Omeiza — are seeking a court declaration that the Senate acted beyond its constitutional powers.
They are asking the court to nullify the suspension and restore all of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and privileges, including access to her office, full participation in Senate proceedings, and payment of her entitlements. Additionally, they are seeking an injunction to prevent the Senate from taking any further actions that could infringe on their fundamental rights.
As of press time, no date has been fixed for the hearing.
