A political think tank, FixPolitics has kicked against the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.

The organisation said that by imposing the suspension under the pretext of rule violations, the Senate had not only silenced Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.

“This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation”, FixPolitics said in a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Anthony Ubani.

He said, “The Senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes.
Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.”

According to the FixPolitics, the suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large.

“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly. This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.

“As a signatory to CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and SDG 5, Nigeria has an obligation to foster gender inclusion in governance. Actions like these reinforce exclusion, rather than progress. Moreover, public officials must always remember that they hold office in trust for the people and have a duty to model behaviour that promotes civility, decorum, and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of gender.

“Their actions should inspire confidence in the nation’s institutions and reflect the highest ethical standards.
“In today’s interconnected world, where events unfold in real-time through the Internet of Things (IoT), the conduct of public officials is scrutinised globally.”

The organisation said the “unconstitutional” suspension of a duly elected legislator denied constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly.

Ubani said, “In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised – an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Senate, as Nigeria’s highest lawmaking body, must uphold the rule of law rather than continuously flout court rulings that protect the rights of elected representatives and their constituents.

“We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter. The Senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.
The FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially – free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”

FixPolitics called on the civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join it in demanding a legislative environment where all members could perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.

“The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination. The FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deeprooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria,” the statement noted.

It added, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria.”

Justice Aliyu Yunusa Shafa of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Nyanya, Abuja has granted an order restraining a blogger, Martins Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkman) from making defamatory publication against

a Gospel Artist, Mercy Chinwo Blessed.

The Judge granted the order following a motion exparte by the Artist in the Suit with No. GWD/CV/39/2025 with motion No. FCT/HC/NY/M/137/2025.

Justice Shafa restrained him
from “further posting, publishing, sharing, circulating, disseminating or broadcasting through any social media platform or any electronic means, any information, statement or comment whatsoever, in respect of or against the Mercy Chinwo or on any issue relating to the subject matter of this suit, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

On Thursday, a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of VeryDarkMan for “criminal defamation” of a Gospel Artist, Mercy Chinwo.

The magistrate ordered the Nigeria Police Force, together with other law enforcement agencies, to arrest VeryDarkMan and produce him to court to answer to the criminal allegations levelled against him.

Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant following the failure of VeryDarkMan to failed to appear before the Magistrate, despite a court summon on March 5, 2025.

Although lawyer to VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju, appealed to the Magistrate to rethink the bench warrant and that he would personally produce his client in court, the Magistrate rejected the appeal and insisted that VeryDarkMan be produced in court by security agencies.

The bench warrant stemmed from alleged defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the purported diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.

In support of her claims, Chinwo furnished the court with documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to substantiate that VDM’s allegations were not only entirely false but damning and injurious to her public image and reputation.

The complainant’s lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, Chinwo said the alleged actions of the defendant are contrary to Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.

Chinwo’s counsel had also dragged VDM before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1bn damages against the blogger.

The lawyer sought an order compelling VDM to delete, retract, and issue a public apology for all allegedly false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.

ENDS***

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says its operatives have intercepted an undeclared $1.1 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

In a statement on Thursday, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS spokesperson, said the undeclared currencies were found concealed in packs of palm dates during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage.

Maiwada noted that the passenger, who arrived from Saudi Arabia on a Saudi Airline flight No. SV401, was convicted after being charged in court and ordered to forfeit the foreign currencies.

“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement reads.

“Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.”

The NCS spokesperson added that the seizure reflects customs’ commitment to enforcing monetary regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

He urged travelers to comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations and ensure they declare their cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.

“Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences,” Maiwada said.

“Under the leadership of the comptroller-general of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other transborder crimes.

“This latest seizure highlights the service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.”