Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will serve out the remainder of her suspension as the Nigerian Senate adjourned plenary on Thursday, July 24, 2025, for its annual recess. Lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene on September 23, 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, for six months over allegations of misconduct and insubordination.
The incident stemmed from her refusal to comply with a change in her assigned seat during a plenary session on February 20.
The Senate’s decision followed recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty after investigating petitions against her.
Although her suspension was expected to end on September 6, the Senate’s recess effectively means she will complete the full term without an opportunity to return to plenary before its conclusion.
Following a failed attempt to enter the Senate chamber earlier in the week, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized the Senate’s action, describing it as unlawful. “The suspension itself was fraudulent. The document was faulty,” she told reporters.
She further accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of exceeding his authority and vowed to challenge the matter legally.
“I’ll be meeting with my legal team to approach the appellate court for an interpretation of what just happened,” she added. “I am a law-abiding citizen.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio, while announcing the recess, said the break aligns with the legislative calendar and mirrors the House of Representatives, which had already adjourned.
“We have entered a new legislative year that runs until June next year. This recess will allow lawmakers to conduct oversight functions,” Akpabio said.
He urged committees—such as those on diaspora affairs, reparations, and interior matters—to continue their duties, including prison inspections and field visits.
“You’re leaving plenary but not abandoning your legislative responsibilities.
Your constituents expect you to follow up on key issues, including ongoing road repairs nationwide,” he added.
The Senate President also informed colleagues of the death of Professor Janet Plang, wife of Senator Diket Plang.
He said a flight had been arranged for senators to attend the funeral in Plateau State on Friday, departing Abuja at 8:00 a.m.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele praised his colleagues for their commitment to legislative duties and moved a motion to postpone all outstanding matters on the order paper to the next legislative day. The motion was unanimously adopted.
In a separate incident, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was reportedly delayed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, last Thursday while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
A family source said she was informed by immigration officials that she had been placed on a watchlist at the request of the National Assembly leadership.
“She was told the National Assembly leadership considered her a flight risk,” the source said, noting there was no legal restriction on her travel and that she had always appeared in court when required.
Eyewitnesses said the senator appeared visibly distressed, making several calls before she was eventually cleared and allowed to board.
When reached shortly before takeoff, she confirmed the incident, saying, “The aircraft is about to take off.”