Heavy Security Stops Natasha From Entering National Assembly, Video Emerges

• Tension flared at the National Assembly as security blocked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering, despite a court ruling reinstating her
• The lawmaker’s convoy, including rights activist Aisha Yesufu, was denied access, sparking outrage
• Senator Natasha’s team condemned the action, calling it a violation of democratic norms, as the Senate remains silent on enforcing the court order

FCT, Abuja - Tension erupted at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday, July 22, after security operatives barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the premises.

This development is coming despite a court ruling ordering her reinstatement.

Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended by the Senate for six months.

Court orders recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Following a court judgment that nullified the suspension, she had vowed to resume legislative duties.

Justice Binta Nyako of the court, in a judgment on Friday, July 4, said that the six-month suspension that the Senate slammed on the Kogi lawmaker was "excessive".

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The court also faulted the Senate Standing Rules' Chapter 8 and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers and Privileges Act, stating that the two provisions were overreaching.

The two legislative guidelines did not specify the maximum period of time that a sitting lawmaker can be suspended from office.

According to the court, the Senate has the power to sanction any of its members for violation of standing rules, but such a sanction should not be excessive to the extent of depriving the constituents of the right to be represented.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stopped from entering NASS

Legit.ng gathered that shortly after the court ruling, the lawmaker’s convoy arrived at the National Assembly gate Tuesday morning but was met with a heavy security presence.

Her black vehicle, alongside a car ahead of her carrying well-known rights activist Aisha Yesufu, was halted by security personnel who refused to grant them passage, Vanguard reported.

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Akpabio: Showdown as Aisha Yesufu vows to join Natasha as she resumes Senate today

The incident attracted a crowd of onlookers and supporters who began questioning the legality of denying a senator access to the chamber after a valid court decision.

Senator Natasha yet to be officially readmitted

It remains unclear whether the Senate leadership has formally communicated the court’s directive to its security apparatus.

There has been no official response from the office of the Senate President as of the time of filing this report.

Senator Natasha’s media team insisted she will continue to press for her reinstatement, both legally and politically, and has condemned what it calls “a blatant violation of democratic order.”

The standoff underscores rising tensions between legislative authority and judicial oversight, raising questions about the enforcement of court rulings within Nigeria’s political institutions.

Why we can't reinstate Natasha now - Senate

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Senate on Sunday, July 13, said that it cannot reinstate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, until it considers the contents of the certified true copy (CTC) of a recent court verdict.

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The Senate said it needed to see the CTC of the federal high court's ruling in the case involving Senator Natasha and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng