BREAKING: Senator Natasha Resumes Despite Armed DSS, Police Deployment at National Assembly

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her legislative duties on Tuesday despite a heavy security presence at the National Assembly.

Armed personnel from the DSS, police, and civil defence were deployed in an apparent attempt to prevent her entry.

Initially denied access, Senator Natasha later walked into the complex on foot, citing a court ruling that declared her suspension unconstitutional.

There was a heavy security presence at the National Assembly on Tuesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her legislative duties despite ongoing resistance from the Senate.

Armed officers from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed around the National Assembly gates, with several security vehicles stationed at strategic locations.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had been suspended by the Senate in March 2025. However, a Federal High Court ruling recently declared her suspension unconstitutional, prompting her to announce a return to the Senate.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said at a constituency event.

“I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she added.

Her lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, said the judgment empowers her return.
“The suspension was overreaching the provisions of the constitution. When the court says she should go back, it means return to work,” he explained.

Despite this, the Senate maintains that no enforceable order compels them to lift her suspension. In a letter dated July 14, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the Senate stated that the court only “advised” them to consider recalling her.

DON’T MISS: ‘No Court Can Save You’ – Senate Warns Natasha Over Attempted Comeback

“You may wish to advise your client to await the action of the Senate,” the letter read.

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu added, “The judgment did not include any express or mandatory order directing the recall or reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

Earlier in the day, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was initially denied access to the National Assembly premises. Security stopped her black car, along with another vehicle carrying activist Aisha Yesufu. However, she later exited the car and walked into the National Assembly on foot, joined by supporters.

The standoff highlights a growing constitutional dispute between the judiciary’s ruling and the Senate’s position, as political tensions continue to build around the senator’s suspension and return.