The Senate has reopened the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, months after she was suspended.
In a video shared on Tuesday, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, announced that the Senate leadership ordered him to unseal her office.
When contacted, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu gave no details, saying only: “If something was sealed before and now unsealed, it means it has been unsealed.”
Sources in the National Assembly said the decision came after heavy pressure from both inside and outside the Senate to let Natasha return to her duties, since her six-month suspension ended in September.
Senators reportedly disagreed on the matter. Some wanted her to resume immediately, others insisted she must apologise first, while a few preferred that her suspension continue until the Court of Appeal rules on her case.
Senator Natasha was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct. The Federal High Court later described the suspension as “excessive.”
Critics say keeping her out of office denies the people of Kogi Central proper representation. Legal experts like Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) have called the delay unconstitutional, stressing that an entire constituency cannot be punished because of one lawmaker.
The Senate insists her suspension was not connected to her sexual harassment accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio but rather her refusal to cooperate with the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
Women’s groups, civil society organisations, and lawyers have continued to call for her full reinstatement and an independent investigation into her claims.
Observers warn that how the Senate handles the issue could affect public trust in parliament, respect for the rule of law, and Nigerians’ right to be represented.
Her fate now depends on whether the Senate takes a fresh decision on the floor or the Court of Appeal delivers its final judgment.