The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to order Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reverse Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan‘s suspension.
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to direct Akpabio to rescind what it deems an unlawful suspension, reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.
The civil society organisation is also asking the court for a perpetual injunction to prevent the Senate from further suspending or disciplining Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully exercising her fundamental human rights.
SERAP argues that the application of sections 6(1) (2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation.
The applicant stated that her suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression.
SERAP is suing Akpabio, representing all Senate members in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, which has not yet been assigned to a judge.
In an affidavit attached to the suit, the applicant insisted that no one should ever be punished for speaking without permission.
It also argued that being a senator does not deprive Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should exemplify upholding the rule of law while promoting and protecting human rights rather than suppressing them.
The organisation also asserts that punishing Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary, and disproportionate.
SERAP claimed, „Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. The other grounds cited for her suspension appear to be a further pretext to restrict her fundamental human rights.
The suit argues that suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression undermines her effectiveness as a senator.
