Breaking: Natasha’s Lawyer Files Explosive Recall Petition Against Kogi Senator

Michael Numa (SAN), legal counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged the National Assembly to comply with the Federal High Court’s judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, which mandated her immediate reinstatement to the Senate.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, following claims that she addressed the chamber without occupying her assigned seat.

However, Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, ruled the suspension unconstitutional and disproportionate, deeming it a violation of the senator’s rights and the Senate’s Standing Orders. The judge further noted that the action unfairly stripped the people of Kogi Central of their legitimate representation in the Red Chamber.

Despite the ruling, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed the decision and reportedly obstructed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to legislative duties.

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling at the National Assembly’s Legal Services Directorate, Numa pressed the legal unit to advise the Senate to fully implement the court’s decision.

While acknowledging that the court used the word “should” in Order 12 of the judgment when instructing the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Numa argued that, in the context of the judgment, it carries the force of a mandatory directive.

He emphasized that the court nullified the Senate committee’s report and recommendations, thereby affirming her suspension lacked legal basis. Citing Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Numa reminded the Senate of its constitutional obligation to obey all valid court judgments. He also referenced Section 318, which defines “decision” to include judicial orders, judgments, and recommendations.

Reinforcing his case, Numa pointed to the 2025 Supreme Court ruling in Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd, which upheld that judicial recommendations may be enforceable, depending on the circumstances.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has indicated her intention to resume duties on July 22, 2025. However, her legal team has warned that if the Senate persists in defying the ruling, they may seek further legal redress to compel enforcement.