BREAKING: Security Operatives Stop Senator Natasha From Accessing National Assembly Premises

Security operatives including the police have stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from accessing the National Assembly premises. 

As of the time of this report, she has arrived at the premises and her supporters were seen arguing with the police and other security personnel who barricaded the entrance. 

The senator arrived in a black Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) but the operatives refused to allow her in. 

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that there was heavy security presence at the National Assembly as embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan planned to resume. 

Several vehicles have been stationed at strategic points near the National Assembly gate, with armed security personnel manning various posts within the complex.

Officers deployed at the gate include personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Previously, SaharaReporters reported that despite a recent court judgment declaring her suspension unconstitutional, the Nigerian Senate insisted that there would be no going back on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is expected to make a dramatic return to plenary today.

The embattled senator representing Kogi Central, suspended since March 2025, announced over the weekend her intention to resume legislative duties, citing the Federal High Court's ruling as her legal backing.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she stated during a constituency training programme.

“I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she added.

Her legal counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, West Idahosa, also supported her move, arguing that the court judgment sufficiently empowers her return.

“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents,” Idahosa said. 

He further insisted that, “The suspension was overreaching the provisions of the constitution. I mean, that was clearly stated there. When you say that the plaintiff should go back, you mean that she should go back to work. I think that is more or less an order... She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

However, the Senate has taken a hardline stance. In a letter dated July 14 and addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the National Assembly categorically stated that there was no binding order compelling the Senate to recall the lawmaker.

Signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the letter emphasised that the judgment only “advised” the Senate to consider her return.