Nigeria Immigration Service Says Natasha Akpoti’s Passport ‘Seizure’ Was Routine.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has addressed claims that it seized the international passport of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Udughan.

A senior NIS official, who requested anonymity, described the incident at the airport as “routine.” “She was not detained. Her passport may have been taken for a standard clearance procedure,” the officer explained.

When contacted, NIS spokesman ACI Akinsola Akinlabi said he was away from Abuja but would investigate the matter to provide clarification.

Senator Akpoti-Udughan had earlier alleged during a Facebook Live session that her passport was confiscated on the orders of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The passport was, however, returned to her during the live broadcast.

Senator Natasha violated Penal Code, must face Criminal Charges – FG.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has insisted that the defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were properly instituted in line with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Nigeria and the Constitution.

The AGF’s office stated this in its response to the senator’s preliminary objection to the three-count criminal charge pending before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Chizoba Oji.

The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, stemmed from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, following her public claims that the duo had conspired to assassinate her.

AGF Insists Charges Are Lawful
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office maintained that the decision to prosecute the senator was taken after a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reviewed all petitions from both the complainants and the defendant.

“The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the prosecution stated.

It further argued that the senator’s actions contravened provisions of the law, stressing that the case was filed “in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.”

According to the AGF’s office, the charges were neither politically motivated nor an abuse of prosecutorial power.

“The criminal charge against the defendant arose from the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties involved, by the Nigeria Police Force.”

Court Rules on Suit Challenging Suspension of Senator Natasha by Akpabio.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging the legality of the six-month suspension imposed on Kogi Central Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Apoti over alleged misconduct.

The suit, filed by Ovavu Illiyasu and nine others, was thrown out on Friday on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi the legal authority to bring the matter before the court.

Marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, the suit sought to void Natasha Uduaghan-Apoti’s suspension, arguing that their Senatorial District would be shortchanged in the Senate and effectively lose representation during the suspension period.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the 10 plaintiffs had no legal standing to institute the action and dismissed the suit for lack of merit.

Senator Natasha Enters Her Office After National Assembly Unsealed It.

Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, made a return to her office in the National Assembly complex.
Video: Senator Natasha Enters Her Office After National Assembly Unsealed It
The lawmaker was accompanied by some of her supporters, who battled to accompany her all the way into the National Assembly building, even as security operatives tried to restrict the surge of supporters attempting to follow her.

Naija News reports that Senator Natasha’s return follows the earlier unsealing of her office on Tuesday by the leadership of the National Assembly.

Recall that the Deputy Director of the Sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly, Alabi Adedeji, along with combined personnel from security organisations, on Tuesday unsealed Natasha’s 205 office in the Senate wing of the National Assembly.

The return marks the first time Senator Natasha would be entering her office after it was sealed off following her suspension after a faceoff between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

With this development, Natasha can access the National Assembly premises, potentially paving the way for her to resume her legislative duties on October 7, 2025.

Recall that Natasha was slammed with a six-month suspension by the Senate in March, which also barred her from participating in all activities of the 10th Senate over her alleged misconduct when she protested against the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio on February 20, 2025.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension ended in September 2025, but she has been unable to resume her duties due to ongoing legal issues and continued opposition from the Senate leadership.

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdraw from ICC.

The planned commencement of trial in the cybercrime charges brought against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before a Federal High Court in Abuja was stalled yesterday, owing to an objection raised by the defendant.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, and granted bail, following which Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned till September 22 for commencement of trial.

When the case was called yesterday, prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, told the court that the business of the day was for the prosecution to open its case by calling its first witness.

Kaswe, who had a television screen mounted in the courtroom preparatory to the commencement of proceedings, told the court that the prosecution had a witness in court and was ready to proceed.

Responding, defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), expressed concern about the possibility of the prosecution opening its case.

West-Idahosa said his client has filed a notice of preliminary objection to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

He said the objection is not to the nature of the charge, but the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The defence lawyer also complained about not being served copies of the statements of the prosecution witnesses.

Natasha’s trial stalls as women groups petition United Nations.

The planned commencement of trial in the cybercrime charges brought against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before a Federal High Court in Abuja was stalled yesterday, owing to an objection raised by the defendant.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, and granted bail, following which Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned till September 22 for commencement of trial.

When the case was called yesterday, prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, told the court that the business of the day was for the prosecution to open its case by calling its first witness.

Kaswe, who had a television screen mounted in the courtroom preparatory to the commencement of proceedings, told the court that the prosecution had a witness in court and was ready to proceed.

Responding, defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), expressed concern about the possibility of the prosecution opening its case.

West-Idahosa said his client has filed a notice of preliminary objection to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

He said the objection is not to the nature of the charge, but the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The defence lawyer also complained about not being served copies of the statements of the prosecution witnesses.

Alleged Cybercrime Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stalls, Adjourned to October 20

The cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was adjourned to October 20, 2025, after her legal team filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The objection, raised by her counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), questions the alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.

The senator, arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024, is accused of spreading false information electronically to incite violence and public disorder. Specifically, she is alleged to have publicly claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to kill her.

At the resumed hearing on September 22, prosecution counsel David Kaswe said they were ready to begin, with a witness present. However, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, ruled that the court must first resolve the jurisdictional objection before proceeding with the trial.

Key Allegations Against Akpoti-Uduaghan:

Accused of transmitting false, inciting information electronically.

Allegedly stated that Akpabio and Yahaya Bello plotted her assassination.

Charges brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024.

Court Adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial to October 20.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20, 2025, after her defence team challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
She faces six charges under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, over statements allegedly implicating Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello in threats to her life.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to October 20, 2025, after her defence team challenged the court’s jurisdiction.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, arraigned on June 30 and granted bail on self-recognition, faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.

One of the counts alleged: “That on or about April 1, 2025, while addressing a crowd at Ihima Community, Kogi State, you — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan — intentionally caused the following communication to be transmitted via a computer system and network, to wit: ‘…and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello, I am saying, standing by what I have said. He told him that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me here…’ And you… knew this contained a threat that could harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, as the President of the Senate…”

Another charge stated the same words but linked the alleged threat to “Yahaya Adoza Bello, a former Governor of Kogi State.”

At Monday’s sitting, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe announced readiness to proceed, saying the first witness was present and a television screen mounted in court. But Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), objected, arguing it was an abuse of the Attorney-General’s powers and that the defence had not been served witness statements.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must first be resolved before trial, and adjourned the case to October 20.

FG’s Lawsuit Against Suspended Senator Natasha Stalled.

The cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been stalled.

The case, filed by the Director of Public Prosecution, accuses her of spreading false and dangerous claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.

She was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge and granted bail, with trial expected to open today.

When proceedings began, defence lawyer Ehiogie West-Idahosa raised an objection, saying the court lacked jurisdiction and thajt the case abused the powers of the Attorney General. He also noted the defence had not been served witness statements.

Although the prosecution said it was ready with its first witness, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must be decided first. The case has now been adjourned to October 20.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of telling a crowd in Ihima, Kogi State, and later on television, that Akpabio directed Bello to have her killed in Kogi so it would appear like community violence.

The charge is brought under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 and carries serious penalties.

“I Was Expelled and Silenced for Standing by My Principles” — Hon. Fatumata Speaks on Senator Natasha’s Suspension

The controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Ako Dwanga from the Nigerian Senate continues to draw widespread debate across the country and the African continent.

Speaking during an Arise TV interview on September 11, 2025, Honorable Fatumata Nay, a member of the Pan-African Parliament and former ECOWAS Parliamentarian, condemned the prolonged suspension of the Kogi Central senator, stressing that her six-month suspension has already expired and should not be unlawfully extended.

Drawing from her personal political journey, Fatumata recalled how she was expelled from her own party and removed from parliament for refusing to compromise her values.

“I’ve been expelled from my party and removed from parliament for standing by my principles. I know what it feels like to be silenced,” she said, linking her experience to Senator Natasha’s plight.


Legal experts have also weighed in, warning that keeping Natasha away from her legislative duties beyond the suspension period undermines parliamentary credibility. By law, once a suspension ends, a senator is free to resume duties unless a fresh motion is passed.

Fatumata emphasized that this issue goes beyond Natasha as an individual — it reflects the systemic challenges women face in politics. She argued that arbitrary suspensions and administrative delays discourage women from aspiring to leadership and weaken the push for gender equality in governance.

Observers are now calling on the Senate President to uphold due process, reinstate Senator Natasha, and restore proper representation to the people of Kogi Central. Many warn that failing to act will damage Nigeria’s image as a standard-bearer for democratic practices in West Africa.

The case is seen as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the protection of democratic principles — with women’s political participation at the heart of the debate.

Former Kogi Central Senator Ogembe Dumps PDP After Suspension Over ADC Ties

Former Senator Ahmed Ogembe, who represented Kogi Central in the 8th National Assembly, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his suspension over alleged anti-party activities.

In a letter dated August 10 and received by his ward chairman on August 18, Ogembe confirmed his exit and announced his alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He described the move as a “carefully considered decision” made after consultations with political associates and supporters, while thanking the PDP leadership for past support.

His resignation came shortly after the PDP suspended him for allegedly undermining the party’s structure in Okene LGA and aiding ADC’s growth in the state—actions the party described as “gross misconduct” and “betrayal of trust.”

#KogiPolitics #PDP #ADC

JUST IN: Senator Natasha reacts to court judgement quashing her suspension.

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to the decision of the court to quash the six-month suspension slammed against her by the leadership of the Tenth Senate.

In a post made on X shortly after the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had ordered the immediate recall of the lawmaker.

The court in its judgement on Friday ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties at the National Assembly.

It also ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on the lawmaker by the Senate leadership is excessive and unconstitutional.

In her reaction, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as “Illegal & Unconstitutional Suspension Quashed.”

She further appreciated well-meaning Nigerians for their support while stating that together with the citizens leadership would be redefined.

Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote, “Thank you great people for your support.

“Together… We Redefine Leadership,” the lawmaker said.

Court Orders Senate to Reinstate Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Senate to reinstate Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension excessive and unconstitutional.

In her ruling, Justice Nyako said the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act were overreaching and failed to set a clear limit on suspensions. She emphasized that lawmakers sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, and a six-month suspension would effectively c+t off a senator’s ability to represent their constituents for nearly the entire session.

The court ruled that while the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such punishment must not infringe on the rights of the electorate.

It also rejected Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s argument that the court had no jurisdiction, affirming its power to review constitutional v+olation.

However, the judge upheld Akpabio’s action in denying Akpoti-Uduaghan a chance to speak on the Senate floor, noting she wasn’t in her designated seat at the time. The court directed her to apologize to the Senate and ordered her to publish a public apology in two national newspapers within seven days.

Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan was fined ₦5 million for contempt, after breaching a court order by making public comments about the case. She is also currently facing two separate cases of cybercrime and d+famation in Abuja courts.