There was drama at the entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as security operatives barred suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from gaining access to the premises.

The senator arrived at the gate accompanied by activist Aisha Yesufu, rights advocate Mama P, activist Randy, and a crowd of supporters, but was denied entry by security officials.

Yesufu, in a bid to intervene, confronted the officers stationed at the gate and challenged the order allegedly issued to block Natasha’s entry.

She said, “National Assembly is meant to be for everyone. Why are you stopping us?

“We are not abiding doesn’t mean we are cowards,” she said.

The standoff quickly escalated as some supporters began chanting “Push!” while attempting to force their way in.

Natasha’s supporters were later seen marching toward the complex, chanting solidarity songs.

Details later

Suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has arrived the National Assembly complex to resume her duties.

According to reports, security was beefed up earlier at the complex over the suspended senator’s planned return.

The lawmaker’s supporters had converged at the entrance of the National Assembly complex waiting for her arrival.

Recall that Natasha had on Saturday vowed that she will resume sitting on Tuesday, July 22.

The senator cited a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the federal High Court judgment in Abuja to justify her position.

However, in a counter-statement released on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the ruling claimed by the lawmaker.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the court merely offered an “advisory opinion” and not a compulsory directive to the upper legislative chamber.

But the Kogi Central senator insisted on resuming her duties.

Earlier on Tuesday, a video making the rounds on social media showed increased presence of security personnel, including armed guards, at the entrance of the complex – apparently to prevent breakdown of law and order over Natasha’s return.

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, has refused a request by ex-Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to release his passport for medical travel.

The court ruled that the medical report attached to the application was not signed by the medical consultant who examined him.‎

‎Justice Emeka Nwite stated this in his ruling on the application by the ex-governor at the resumed hearing of the alleged money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.‎‎

In the ruling, the Court emphasised that an unsigned document carries no legal weight and is considered worthless.

In other words, it is devoid of probative value and cannot be relied upon by the Court, the judge held.‎‎

“The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court for his passport to be released for him to travel.

Consequently, this application is hereby refused,” Justice Nwite said.

‎‎About five days ago, the FCT High Court had refused to grant Yahaya Bello’s request to travel on grounds of not being in custody of his passport.

‎‎The case was thereafter adjourned to October 7 and 10 and November 10 and 11, 2025, for continuation of trial.‎