Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and 7 Senators Who Faced Senate Suspensions in Nigeria

On March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she filed a petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpoti-Uduaghan initially made these allegations in an interview last Friday, drawing attention to one of Nigeria’s most prominent politicians.

Following the dismissal of her petition on procedural grounds, the ethics committee recommended her suspension, asserting that her actions had brought ridicule to the upper chamber of the National Assembly. While some senators proposed reducing the suspension to three months, the majority voted in favor of the six-month suspension suggested by the ethics committee.

Women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado referred to the suspension as a “sad day for Nigerian women.” In response, Senator Uduaghan called the decision “an injustice that will not be sustained,” emphasizing her determination to continue her “pursuit for justice.”

The accusations have remained a hot topic of conversation in Nigeria since the initial claims were made. Several influential individuals and groups have demanded a transparent investigation. On Wednesday, two groups of protesters gathered in Abuja, one supporting Akpabio and the other advocating for Uduaghan, chanting, “Akpabio must go.”

Hadiza Ado, founder of the Women and Children Initiative, remarked: “We’ve been following events at the Assembly keenly and hoping that investigation into Natasha’s allegations would follow.” She added, “All we can say is that today is a sad day for Nigerian women fighting for emancipation. Out of 109 senators, only four are women, and one is now suspended.”

Numerous women on social media expressed their frustration, with some labeling the suspension as “oppression.” As part of the suspension, Uduaghan’s salary and security details were revoked, and she was barred from accessing the National Assembly. Additionally, her office was locked.

The Senate has previously suspended various lawmakers for misconduct and other violations of legislative protocols. Here are other senators who faced suspension and the reasons behind their sanctions:

Femi Okurounmu (Ogun Central) – 1999

Senator Okurounmu was suspended in 1999 after he claimed that fellow senators were plotting to impeach President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was reinstated after apologizing to the Senate.

Joseph Waku (Benue) – 2000

In 2000, Senator Waku was suspended for suggesting that a military coup would be preferable to allowing President Obasanjo to rule as a dictator.

Arthur Nzeribe (Imo, Orlu Constituency) – 2002

Senator Nzeribe was indefinitely suspended in November 2002 due to a ₦22 million fraud allegation.

Isah Mohammed (Niger Central) – 2004

Senator Mohammed was suspended for two weeks in 2004 after physically assaulting Senator Iyabo Anisulowo outside the National Assembly in a dispute over committee funds.

Ali Ndume (Borno South) – 2017

In 2017, Senator Ndume was suspended for six months after calling for an investigation into allegations involving Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.

Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central) – 2018

In 2018, Senator Omo-Agege was suspended for opposing the election reordering bill. After apologizing for his stance, he sought a court order to prevent his suspension, which ultimately led to his suspension.

Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) – 2024

Senator Ningi was suspended for three months in 2024 after claiming that the National Assembly had inflated the 2024 budget by ₦3 trillion.

Was Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Legal?

LN247 spoke with legal practitioner Yinka Adegboye to shed light on the legality of the suspension and whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan can seek reprieve from the court. Adegboye explained in detail:

“In Nigeria, no organization or body, including the Senate, can enact laws to punish individuals without following due process. The principles of fair hearing are crucial, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was not given a chance to defend herself against the allegations of misconduct. This lack of due process, combined with the conflict of interest in the Senate president’s involvement, raises serious legal concerns.”

Adegboye continued, addressing the broader issue:
“The Senate’s actions are fundamentally flawed. There is no law supporting the suspension, and I believe that any court would set it aside. The principle of fair hearing, enshrined in our constitution, was violated. The Senate failed to follow the legal procedures, and in light of this, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has every right to challenge the suspension in court.”

Furthermore, Adegboye emphasized that the case is not unique. “There have been instances in the past where senators successfully challenged disciplinary measures. Senators like Ali Ndume and Dino Melaiye have previously contested their suspensions in court, and I believe Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has strong grounds to do the same.”

Adegboye also noted an alarming issue:
“The Senate ignored a court order restraining them from imposing any penalty on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Despite the fact that the order was served on them, they proceeded with the suspension. This act of defiance toward the court undermines the rule of law.”

On the severity of the suspension, Adegboye concluded,
“Suspending a senator for six months, especially one who was elected to represent her constituents, is a harsh punishment. There’s a Supreme Court ruling that states a senator cannot be suspended for more than 14 days. The Senate has acted beyond its legal authority.”

As the legal process unfolds, many are questioning the Senate’s actions, calling for justice to be served. Adegboye’s final thoughts were clear:
“The Senate, as the law-making body in Nigeria, has embarrassed itself by violating the very laws it is supposed to uphold. The world is watching, and it is imperative that they retrace their steps and address this issue with the seriousness it deserves.”

The matter continues to be one of great public interest, with many watching closely to see how the courts will rule on this controversial issue.