The Nigerian Senate has clarified that it has not yet been served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment ordering the reinstatement of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).

The clarification follows public speculation surrounding a recent court ruling believed to have nullified her suspension. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended by the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly violating the Senate Standing Order on seating arrangements.

Following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of making repeated sexual advances toward her and alleged that there was a cult-like allegiance to him within the chamber. The Senate, through its Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics, and Privileges, subsequently recommended sanctions, including withdrawal of her entitlements, banning her from the National Assembly premises, and other punitive measures.

Her unsanctioned appearance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the United Nations in New York and several social media posts critical of the Senate leadership triggered further controversy. The Federal Government, in response, filed a cybercrime suit against her—marked CR/297/25—before a Federal Capital Territory High Court. The suit accuses her of cyberbullying and defamation against Senate President Akpabio, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and others.

The government alleges that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made damaging imputation during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025. Prominent individuals listed as witnesses include Akpabio, Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and police investigators.

Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that her suspension was a politically motivated attempt to silence her and rejected the Senate’s claim that it was unrelated to her allegations of sexual harassment. Both Akpabio and Bello have separately petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over her accusations, with Akpabio demanding her prosecution for criminal defamation and incitement.

Amid the ongoing legal battles, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Friday that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was unconstitutional. The judge stated that while a senator can be sanctioned, doing so in a manner that leaves an entire senatorial district unrepresented is unjust. The court ordered her reinstatement and fined her ₦5 million for a satirical Facebook post, directing her to issue a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days.

Despite the ruling, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu said on Sunday that the Senate is yet to receive the CTC of the judgment. He noted that legal representatives present at the court confirmed that the full judgment was not read in open court. As a result, the Senate has applied for the CTC to enable a detailed review and determine its legal course of action.

“Until we receive and examine the full judgment, we will refrain from taking actions that could prejudice our legal position,” Adaramodu stated. “The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution.”

Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to return to the red chamber on Tuesday. In a video circulating online, she thanked her supporters and celebrated the ruling as a victory for democracy.

“We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday, by the grace of God,” she said.