Akpabio Dragged To Court Over Natasha’s Suspension – Details

• SERAP has sued Senate President Akpabio over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
• The lawsuit argues the suspension violates her rights and silences constituents.
• SERAP seeks a court order to reinstate her and restore privileges.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over what it describes as the unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to overturn the six-month suspension, arguing that it violates Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights and denies her constituents proper representation.

Last week, SERAP had called on Akpabio to reverse the senator’s suspension or face legal action. On Sunday, the organization confirmed its lawsuit in a statement signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and shared with PUNCH Online.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, demands a court order compelling Akpabio to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and restore her full legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.

The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly speaking without permission and refusing to accept her reassigned seat in the chamber.

Her suspension bars her from Senate activities and withholds her salary and allowances. However, SERAP argues that punishing her for expressing herself is unconstitutional and undermines democracy.

“Being a senator does not strip Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental rights,” SERAP stated. “The Senate should uphold the rule of law and protect human rights, not suppress them.”

The group is also seeking a court injunction to prevent further disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan for exercising her rights.

SERAP contends that her suspension violates Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights treaties. It cited Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to political participation.

Additionally, SERAP referenced Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protects freedom of expression. It argued that the Senate’s Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) cannot override constitutional provisions that guarantee citizens the right to express their opinions freely.

SERAP Sues Akpabio

“The suspension has deprived Kogi Central residents of representation and limits political participation,” SERAP added, emphasizing that silencing lawmakers through disciplinary measures sets a dangerous precedent for democracy. The case was filed by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs. Adelanke Aremo. No hearing date has been scheduled yet.

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