There was a brief standoff at the entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday after security operatives barred suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from gaining access to the premises.

The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the gate in the company of prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, rights advocate Mama P, fellow activist Randy, and a crowd of supporters. However, security officials stationed at the entrance denied them entry.

In an attempt to intervene, Yesufu confronted the officers, questioning the basis of the restriction.

" The National Assembly belongs to all of us. Why are you stopping us ? She asked. "We are not abiding doesn't mean we are cowards" 

The situation escalated as tensions rose among the crowd. Some supporters began chanting “Push!” and made attempts to force their way in.

Despite the initial resistance, Natasha’s supporters regrouped and began marching toward the complex, singing solidarity songs and calling for justice.

As of the time of this report, it remains unclear who gave the directive to deny the senator access, or whether any official statement has been made by the National Assembly.