Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was blocked on Tuesday, July 22, from entering the National Assembly in Abuja after attempting to resume duties following a court ruling she interpreted as an order for her reinstatement. Her six-month suspension, which began in March, came after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he denies. While the Senate claims her suspension was due to “unruly and disruptive” conduct, Akpoti-Uduaghan links it directly to her petition and maintains that the judiciary has affirmed her right to return.
Despite her insistence, security officials barred her at the parliamentary gates, prompting her to accuse the Senate leadership of contempt of court. Akpabio, meanwhile, has appealed the federal court’s decision, arguing that parliamentary affairs fall outside judicial jurisdiction. The appellate court has yet to rule on the matter. Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in Nigeria’s 109-member chamber, has vowed to consult her legal team, as civil society organisations call for an independent inquiry into her claims and treatment.