THE Senate on Sunday said the Federal High Court in Abuja has not served the certified true copy of the judgment which nullified the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
On Friday, Justice Binta Nyako ordered the Senate to reinstate Natasha, describing her suspension as excessive.
But Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the upper chamber has acknowledged the verdict of the court.
“Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgment, none can enforce any perceived order or relief,” he stated.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment.
“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court.
“Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
Adaramodu, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that, “Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position.
“The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements. We urge the public to remain patient and assured of the Senate’s fidelity to due process.”
See the full statement below:
Statement by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment.
Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court. Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgement, none can enforce any perceived order or relief.
Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position. The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements.
We urge the public to remain patient and assured of the Senate’s fidelity to due process.
Signed:
Senator Yemi Adaramodu,
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs