Drama Unfolds: National Assembly On Lockdown Ahead Of Suspended Senator’s Return

Security presence around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja was significantly increased on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan moved to resume plenary in defiance of her ongoing suspension by the Senate.

Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed as early as 7 a.m. to strategic entry points such as the main gate, SGF gate, Annexe gate, and Villa access routes.

According to The Nation, security officials thoroughly screened all vehicles entering the premises, and individuals without proper identification were turned away, leading to minor delays and heightened tension at checkpoints.

The increased security measures followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s declaration that she would return to her legislative duties, citing a Federal High Court judgment which voided her suspension. The court ruling—Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/543/2024—described her suspension as both “unconstitutional and excessive.”

Speaking during a recent empowerment programme in Okene, the Kogi Central lawmaker reaffirmed her readiness to resume. Ahead of the planned resumption, she also wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting the reinstatement of her security detail.

In the letter titled “Police Acknowledgement – Notification of Resumption and Request for Restoration of Police Protection,” she emphasized the sensitive nature of her case and included a Certified True Copy of the court judgment.

However, despite the ruling, the Senate leadership insists that the suspension remains in force pending the outcome of an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate contends the court’s judgment is advisory and not enforceable, warning that her return without official clearance could be seen as disruptive.