Appeal Court upholds Natasha’s suspension, says Senate has right to enforce disciplinary actions

Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday upheld the Nigerian Senate’s suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), affirming that the upper chamber acted within its constitutional powers to discipline members for misconduct.

A three-judge panel led by Justice Abba Muhammed delivered a unanimous ruling, stating that the suspension did not violate the senator’s parliamentary privileges or fundamental rights.

The court emphasized that the Senate President has the authority, under Senate Rules, to assign seats and control speaking privileges for members not seated in their designated positions. The decision referenced an incident on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied the floor after sitting in an unallocated seat and responded angrily to the seat reassignment.

The appellate court dismissed earlier recommendations from a lower court to reconsider the suspension’s duration, ruling that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction to review internal Senate proceedings unless they contravene the Constitution.

In a partial victory for the senator, the court set aside a previous contempt conviction and ₦5 million fine that had been imposed for a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The judges ruled that the contempt proceedings were invalid due to improper service of mandatory legal documents (Forms 48 and 49), making the process void.

The case originated from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension in 2025 over alleged misconduct. She had challenged the action in court, leading to a series of rulings and appeals from both sides.