A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that her six-month suspension was unconstitutional and deprived her constituents of representation.

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako, who delivered the judgment, stated that while the National Assembly has the authority to discipline its members, such action must not be excessive or infringe on the rights of the electorate. She emphasized that the length of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension exceeded the 180-day sitting period prescribed by the Constitution, making it unjustifiable.

The court issued the order following a suit filed by the senator to challenge the Senate’s disciplinary action against her.

In a separate ruling, however, Justice Nyako found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court. She was fined ₦5 million and directed to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page.