Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) returned to the Senate on Tuesday as plenary resumed after a 10-week recess, marking her first appearance since completing a six-month suspension.

The session, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saw Akpoti-Uduaghan take her seat amid visible attention from colleagues and observers. Her office at Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing had been unsealed on September 23 by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, paving the way for her return.

Speaking to reporters shortly after plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her delight to be back. “I am glad to be here,” she said. “During my suspension, I continued to serve the people of Kogi Central to the best of my ability.”

The senator was suspended in March for alleged misconduct related to Senate standing rules. The decision drew criticism from civil society groups and rights advocates, who described it as excessive.