Appeal Court Affirms Senate’s Power to Suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Nullifies ₦5m Fine

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members, declaring the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) lawful and procedurally sound.

In a unanimous decision by a three-man panel, the appellate court dismissed the senator’s claims that her constitutional rights and parliamentary privileges were infringed upon by the Senate’s actions.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abba Muhammed focused on whether due process was followed within the Senate. The court ruled that Senate President Godswill Akpabio acted within the powers granted to him under the Senate Standing Rules when he denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during the February 20, 2025 plenary session.

The court emphasized two core principles of parliamentary procedure. First, it affirmed that the Senate President has the authority to assign seating positions to lawmakers. Second, it stressed that senators are required to speak only from their officially designated seats during plenary sessions. Since Akpoti-Uduaghan was not seated in her assigned position at the time, the court held that the Senate President’s decision to withhold recognition was justified.

Although the court upheld the Senate’s decision to suspend the lawmaker, it set aside the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine imposed on her afterward. These sanctions arose from a “satirical apology” she issued to the Senate President following the dispute. The court found the additional penalties to be excessive and improperly imposed.

The judgment underscores the autonomy of the National Assembly in managing its internal affairs and signals the judiciary’s reluctance to intervene in legislative disciplinary matters, so long as constitutional limits are respected.