Suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Returns to National Assembly After Six Months

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) on Tuesday stormed the National Assembly complex in Abuja with a crowd of supporters, marking her return after serving a six-month suspension.

Her comeback coincided with her appearance earlier in the day before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where she is standing trial in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. She faces charges under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, over alleged defamation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello. Prosecutors allege she accused Akpabio of instructing Bello to plot an attempt on her life.

Ahead of her return, National Assembly officials reopened her sealed office, which had been locked since March 6, 2025, when her suspension commenced. The reopening was carried out by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.

It remains unclear if Akpoti-Uduaghan will immediately participate in plenary sessions, as the Senate has already shifted its resumption date to October 7.