Security Blocks Senator Natasha Akpoti from Entering National Assembly Grounds
Denied Entry: Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan and her entourage were prevented by security personnel from entering the grounds of Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday, July 22. She had reportedly gone there to attend a Senate session, supported by her backing team expressing solidarity over her ongoing suspension.
Background: In March, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she was accused of misconduct and violating parliamentary procedure. In response, she challenged the suspension in the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered her reinstatement and deemed the punishment excessive. However, she was also fined ₦5 million and instructed to issue a public apology, stipulations she has yet to fulfill.
Current Status: Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stated that because Akpoti-Uduaghan had not complied with the court’s conditions (payment of the fine and public apology), she remains barred from resuming her legislative duties and re-entering the Senate premises.
Summary: Although a court cleared her suspension as excessive, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan was still blocked from entering the Assembly due to her failure to meet the court’s requirements for reinstatement.