Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Senate to recall suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court ruled that the six-month suspension was excessive and deprived her constituents of representation.

Justice Nyako declared Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act as overreaching, noting they failed to specify a maximum suspension period.

She stated that with only 181 sitting days in a legislative year, the six-month suspension was nearly a full cycle.

The court upheld the Senate’s power to sanction members but said penalties must not be excessive.

It dismissed Akpabio’s claim that the court lacked jurisdiction, ruling the case involved constitutional rights.

The court held that Akpabio acted within the rules when he denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor for not sitting in her assigned seat.

It ordered the senator to apologize to the Senate and fined her ₦5 million for breaching a court order against public comments on the case.

She must publish an apology in two national newspapers within seven days.