Security Operatives Deny Nigerian Senator Natasha Entry Into National Assembly Despite Court Ruling

Drama ensued at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as security operatives barred suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the premises, despite a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her suspension.

The senator, representing Kogi Central, arrived at the entrance accompanied by supporters and activists. However, tension began when security officials refused to grant her access to the Senate chambers.

Speaking to journalists after being denied entry, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed outrage at what she described as the Senate’s open defiance of a valid court judgment.

That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a statement being made. It’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to be in contempt of a court decision, and it’s quite ironic that they are lawmakers. That poses the question: how far is our democracy in this day and age?” she asked.

The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, recently ruled that her six-month suspension from the Senate was unlawful. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, she had written two formal letters notifying the Senate of her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 22.

It’s about me, a duly elected Senator walking into the chambers to resume my constitutional duties. I had duly notified the Senate through two letters that I would be resuming functions today, July 22nd, 2025. The number of armed policemen we met outside, all well-kitted with guns, charging at an unarmed female Senator, was shocking. We have people here, attractive Nigerians, who witnessed this,” she said.

The Senator raised two major concerns: the heavy police presence and the Senate’s alleged defiance of a court order. Addressing ongoing media narratives that questioned the binding nature of the court’s judgment, the Senator pointed to provisions in the 1999 Constitution.

“Section 318 clearly states that decisions of a court come in five ways—an order, a judicial decree, a sentence, a conviction, and a recommendation. Section 287(3) says such decisions are binding on all authorities, including the National Assembly,” she emphasised.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also refuted claims that the Senate had appealed the judgment. Holding up legal documents, she stated, “The appeal filed last week was by Senator Godswill Akpabio personally—not the Senate, not the National Assembly, not the Clerk, and not the Committee on Ethics. In fact, Akpabio joined them as respondents, which means the institution itself has not appealed the judgment.”

Before leaving the complex, Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she would consult with her legal team and pursue further legal action.

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