Abuja, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday affirmed the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate, ruling that the upper chamber acted within its constitutional powers to discipline erring members.
Delivering judgment in an appeal filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against a Federal High Court ruling, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed held that the senator’s fundamental rights were not violated. The court cited Section 66(4) of the Senate’s standing rules, which grants the Senate authority to enforce order and discipline within its proceedings.
The appellate court ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan erred during the February 20, 2025 incident when she refused to occupy a new seat assigned by the Senate President. The court dismissed her claim that she was not given prior notice of the seat reallocation, noting that no such provision exists.
Justice Mohammed further stated that the Federal High Court should have declined jurisdiction initially, as the Senate acted in line with its rules. The court also criticized the senator’s refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Petition, and Privileges, saying it worsened her position.
However, the Court of Appeal set aside the contempt charge and the N5 million fine imposed on the senator by Justice Binta Nyako, ruling that procedural lapses—specifically the failure to serve forms 48 and 49—rendered the fine invalid.
The appellate court also dismissed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that her suspension violated an earlier order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, noting that the matter was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako after Egwuatu recused himself.
The ruling confirms the Senate’s disciplinary powers while partially siding with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on procedural grounds regarding the fine.
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