Drama in Senate: Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash with Natasha over Abortion Bill 

There was drama at the Senate on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed over the controversial abortion clause contained in the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

 

Earlier in the plenary, lawmakers had unanimously approved a new law prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, with no option of a fine.

 

According to the Senate, the stiffer punishment was meant to protect children and serve as a strong warning to offenders. The chamber described defilement as “a grievous crime capable of destroying a child’s life forever.”

 

The bill, which was transmitted from the House of Representatives for concurrence, seeks to update key parts of the nation’s Criminal Code to reflect current realities.

 

During deliberations, the Senate also voted to replace the existing five-year jail term for defilement with a life sentence. Presiding over the session, Akpabio said:

“Defilement is even more serious than rape. It is a very serious issue and should carry the most severe punishment. Any defilement of a minor in Nigeria henceforth attracts life imprisonment. Let everyone be aware.”

 

The lawmakers further raised the minimum punishment for rape and other forms of forced sexual acts to 10 years’ imprisonment, whether the victim is male or female.

 

The new Clause 2(1) of the bill states:

“Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will in any premises in order to have unlawful canal knowledge of him or her; in a brothel or any place, commits a felony and attracts a minimum jail term of 10 years, on conviction.”

 

However, the debate turned heated when discussions moved to an abortion-related provision in the amendment. Some senators raised concerns about its religious and moral implications, calling for clearer language. Following prolonged arguments, the Senate agreed to step down the clause and referred the entire bill to the Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights for further review. The committee was asked to report back within two weeks.

 

Tension flared again when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central attempted to reopen the discussion after the bill had been stepped down.

 

“Mr. Senate President, may I speak? I am a woman. Abortion has to do with women,” she said.

 

Akpabio, however, declined her request, saying the matter had already been withdrawn “in totality.” He directed that the chamber should move to the next clause.

 

Moments later, Akpabio appeared to soften his stance, calling on the senator several times.

 

“Distinguished Senator, the matter has been stepped down, but if you have anything to add, you can,” he said.

 

As Natasha began to speak again, stressing her concerns about the abortion clause, Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North quickly interrupted, raising a point of order.

 

“If a matter has been stepped down and ruled on, it is out of order to reopen it,” Oshiomhole declared, urging the chamber to uphold parliamentary rules.

 

Responding, Akpabio supported Oshiomhole’s position, saying,

 

“I’m not a spirit to know what she wanted to say,”

but reaffirmed that Senate procedures do not permit fresh discussions on an issue that has already been ruled upon. He then ruled Natasha out of order.

 

Tuesday’s exchange came just weeks after Senator Natasha returned to the red chamber from a six-month suspension.

 

She had been suspended in March for allegedly violating the Senate’s standing orders — a decision that drew criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures. Though she went to court in July to challenge her suspension, she was unable to secure an early reinstatement.

 

After completing the six-month period in September, Natasha formally notified the Senate of her intention to resume duties. Her office, which had been sealed during the suspension, was reopened on September 23, and she officially rejoined plenary on October 7 when the Senate reconvened.

 

The latest confrontation has fueled speculation that lingering tensions between Akpabio and Natasha may have resurfaced during the abortion clause debate.