Nigeria’s Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, has finally gained access to the National Assembly premises, though her office status remains uncertain.
A viral video from Tuesday, September 23, 2025, shows the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, unsealing Senator Natasha’s office. The office had been sealed on March 6, 2025, following her six-month suspension by the Senate for alleged misconduct.
The unsealing of her office coincided with a protest by her supporters in Abuja. A large crowd marched from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, where her case was to be heard, to the National Assembly complex to show their support. This marks a breakthrough after her previous attempt to enter the premises on July 22, 2025, was blocked by security.
Legal Proceedings and Adjournment
The FCT High Court hearing for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case was adjourned by Justice Chinyere Orji to October 27, 2025. The adjournment was granted after her counsel, Idahosa West, informed the court that the defense had filed a preliminary objection based on alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The AGF’s counsel, David Kaswe, argued that the defense filed the objection with short notice, which was not enough time for the AGF’s office to respond, especially since the AGF was not in the country, attending the United Nations General Assembly.
The Origin of the Conflict
The conflict began in February 2025 when a disagreement over her seating assignment led to a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to move to a new seat, which she claimed was an attempt to silence her. She accused Akpabio of discrimination and dehumanization, leading to her six-month suspension. She has since alleged sexual harassment against Akpabio.
In a related development, the National Assembly’s resumption from recess, originally scheduled for September 23, 2025, has been postponed to October 7, 2025. This was announced in a statement by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. While plenary sessions are rescheduled, committee activities are set to continue.
