The Nigerian Senate has directed suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to stay away from its proceedings, stating that she cannot resume duties yet. The decision was made public in a statement on Sunday by Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu, who clarified that no court order currently mandates her recall.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a confrontation in the Senate chamber, where she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual misconduct — an allegation Akpabio has strongly denied. The incident, which involved a dispute over seat arrangements, was ruled a violation of Senate rules.

The suspended senator had cited a recent Federal High Court judgment by Justice Binta Nyako as a legal basis for her planned return on July 22, 2025. However, Adaramodu maintained that the judgment does not contain any directive compelling her immediate reinstatement, calling her interpretation “legally untenable.”

He warned that any attempt by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to re-enter the chamber prematurely would breach due process and risk disrupting Senate proceedings. The Senate, he said, will address the matter formally at a later date after considering the court’s advisory opinion on amending its standing orders and the terms of her suspension.