Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced her return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court ruling that faulted the six-month suspension imposed on her by the upper chamber.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions recommended disciplinary action over her alleged misconduct in an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Challenging the suspension, she filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja. In her judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako upheld the Senate’s authority to discipline members but ruled that the six-month suspension was “excessive” and “overreaching”, as it deprived her constituents of representation.

“A senator is expected to represent her people,” Justice Nyako said. “The Senate has the power to discipline its members, but the duration in this case was excessive.”

While affirming her right to return to legislative duties, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, citing a Facebook post she made on April 27, which violated an earlier court order. She was fined ₦5 million and ordered to publish an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.

Reacting to the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a victory for democracy and her constituents.

“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she stated.

Her return is expected to heighten debates in the Senate, where tensions continue between the Senate leadership and several opposition lawmakers.