Nigerian Police Shun Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's Request for Protection After Court Reinstatement
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, faces a significant challenge in resuming her legislative duties. Despite a Federal High Court ruling overturning her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly declined her request to restore her official police protection.
Background to the Dispute:
Senate Suspension: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Nigerian Senate in March 2025 for a period of six months. This followed a public confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had accused of sexual misconduct. The Senate's ethics committee dismissed her petition and subsequently suspended her for "unruly behavior" and alleged misconduct related to a seating arrangement during a plenary session. The suspension led to her being barred from her office, her salary withheld, and her security detail withdrawn.
Federal High Court Ruling: On July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja declared Akpoti-Uduaghan's six-month suspension unconstitutional and excessive, ruling it beyond the Senate's powers. The court noted that the Senate's standing rules and the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act did not specify a maximum suspension period, rendering the imposed duration overreaching. The judgment ordered her immediate reinstatement, clarifying that while the Senate could impose disciplinary measures for misconduct, the length of her suspension was deemed unconstitutional. The court also issued a non-binding advisory, urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension.
Refusal of Police Protection and Senate's Defiance:
Senator's Request for Security: Following the court's judgment, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally notified IGP Kayode Egbetokun of her planned return to the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. In a letter titled "Police Acknowledgement - Notification of Resumption and Request for Restoration of Police Protection," she cited the court ruling and emphasized the need for her official security detail to be reinstated due to potential security threats associated with high-profile political positions and to ensure her safety in fulfilling her constitutional duties.
IGP's Stance: As of today, July 22, 2025, the Inspector-General of Police has reportedly not restored her security detail, effectively shunning her request. While no explicit public reason has been given by the IGP's office, the refusal aligns with the Senate's continued defiance of the court order.
Senate's Position: Despite the Federal High Court ruling, the Nigerian Senate maintains that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot yet resume her duties. The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, asserted that the court judgment was merely "advisory" and not a direct, enforceable order mandating her recall. The Senate also highlighted that the same court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing a N5 million fine and requiring a public apology, which she has reportedly not complied with. The Senate has warned her against attempting to forcefully resume legislative duties before her full six-month suspension expires. Furthermore, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal against the Federal High Court ruling at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Implications and Power Struggle:
The IGP's reported refusal to restore Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's security, coupled with the Senate's steadfast position, underscores a significant power struggle between the legislative and judicial arms of government in Nigeria. This situation raises critical questions about the enforcement of court judgments, the limits of parliamentary privilege, and the independence of state institutions. The ongoing legal challenge and the Senate's interpretation of the court's ruling are likely key factors influencing the IGP's decision.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
