Breaking: Security Beefed Up At NASS Over Natasha’s Planned Resumption

Security has been beefed up around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan plans to resume plenary today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in defiance of her ongoing suspension by the Senate.

Naijaonpoint reports that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were visibly stationed at strategic entry points, including the main gate, the SGF gate, Annexe gate, and Villa access points, as early as 7 a.m.

According to The Nation, security officials conducted thorough checks on all vehicles entering the complex. Visitors and staff unable to produce valid identification were denied access, causing slight delays and tension at various checkpoints.

The tightened security comes amid Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s insistence on returning to the Red Chamber, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, reaffirmed her intention to return to legislative duties during a recent community empowerment programme in Okene, citing the court judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/543/2024.

Naijaonpoint reports that the senator, ahead of her resumption, also wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking restoration of her security detail.

In the letter titled “Police Acknowledgement – Notification of Resumption and Request for Restoration of Police Protection”, Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed the need for adequate security due to the sensitive nature of her case.

She also attached a Certified True Copy of the court judgment, which declared her suspension as “unconstitutional and excessive”, urging the IGP to act in accordance with the court’s decision.

Despite the court ruling, the Senate leadership has maintained that her suspension remains valid pending the outcome of its appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Senate had earlier claimed that the court’s pronouncement was not a binding order but an advisory opinion, warning that her premature return could be deemed disruptive.