The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) by the Senate, ruling that the upper chamber acted within its powers and did not breach her fundamental rights.
Delivering judgment on Monday in the appeal filed by the senator against the Federal High Court ruling, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed held that the Senate has constitutional and procedural authority under Section 66(4) of its Standing Rules to discipline any erring member to maintain order and decorum during proceedings.
The appellate court dismissed Natasha’s claims that her suspension violated her rights, stating:
– The Senate was justified in invoking disciplinary measures following her refusal to accept the Senate President’s seat reallocation order on February 20, 2025.
– There is no legal requirement for prior notification before such a change, making her claim of lack of notice untenable.
– She ought to have complied with the directive to move to the new seat, and her persistent refusal justified enforcement under Order 6, Rule 2 of the Senate Standing Rules.
– Her refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions further weakened her case.
The court also ruled that Justice Obiora Egwuatu’s earlier order (before recusing himself) was no longer subsisting after the matter began afresh before Justice Binta Nyako, rejecting Natasha’s argument that her suspension violated that order.
However, the Appeal Court set aside the contempt proceedings and the N5 million fine imposed on her by the trial court, holding that the failure to serve Forms 48 and 49 rendered the contempt process fatally defective.
Background of the Case
– February 20, 2025: Tension arose when Senate President Godswill Akpabio reallocated Natasha’s seat; she refused to comply.
– February 28, 2025: Natasha accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her.
– March 6, 2025: The Senate suspended her for six months on grounds of gross misconduct.
– September 2025: She returned to the chamber after the suspension ended.
The Appeal Court’s ruling brings clarity to the long-running dispute, affirming the Senate’s disciplinary powers while nullifying the contempt fine.
