The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging Senate President Godswill Akpabio in connection with the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the ten plaintiffs, led by Ovavu Illiyasu, lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the case. The court held that the plaintiffs were not directly affected by the Senate’s decision and therefore could not maintain the action.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, sought to nullify the Senate’s six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, which the plaintiffs argued left Kogi Central Senatorial District without representation. Justice Omotosho struck out the suit, declaring it without merit.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in July 2025 following allegations of misconduct. She later approached the court to challenge the Senate’s action, and in September, Justice Omotosho ordered her immediate reinstatement, describing the suspension as unlawful.
The Senate has since appealed that decision and filed for a stay of execution. The matter is currently pending before the Court of Appeal.
