The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months earlier this year over allegations of misconduct during plenary proceedings.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako described the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker as \"excessive\" and an infringement on the constitutional rights of her constituents to be represented in the National Assembly. The judge ruled that while the Senate possesses the power to discipline its members, such actions must be exercised within constitutional bounds and should not undermine democratic representation.

“The suspension is excessive,” Justice Nyako stated. “Lawmakers are entitled to sit for 181 days in every legislative year. Suspending a senator for six months is akin to denying her constituents representation for nearly an entire session.”

The court also held that both Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act—cited as the basis for the suspension—did not define a maximum suspension period and were therefore insufficient grounds for such a lengthy sanction.

Justice Nyako further emphasized that internal disciplinary actions must not erode the fundamental right of the people to be represented in a democracy. “The internal affairs of the Senate cannot be used as a shield when the fundamental rights of citizens and their representatives are in question,” she added.

However, the court upheld the action of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who had denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor during a plenary session. The judge ruled that the Senate President acted within his rights, as the senator was not seated in her designated spot at the time.

Justice Nyako also dismissed Akpabio’s objection challenging the court\'s jurisdiction, affirming that the judiciary can intervene where constitutional rights are threatened.

In a related decision, the court fined Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦1 million for violating an earlier court order that barred both parties from commenting publicly on the matter. She was further ordered to publish a formal apology in two national dailies within seven days.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension earlier this year sparked widespread criticism from her supporters and civil society groups, who described it as politically motivated and a calculated attempt to silence dissenting voices.

With the latest court ruling, the Senate is now legally compelled to reinstate the embattled senator and restore her legislative duties with immediate effect.