The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday affirmed the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that the Senate acted within the confines of the law.
In a unanimous judgement, the appellate court held that the Senate has the constitutional and procedural authority to discipline any member who breaches its rules.
The court dismissed claims by Senator Natasha that her fundamental rights were violated, noting that the disciplinary action followed due process as provided under the Senate Standing Rules.
Justice Abba Bello Mohammed, who delivered the lead judgement, faulted the senator’s conduct during the February 20, 2025 plenary, when she allegedly refused to comply with a directive to move to a newly allocated seat by the Senate President.
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The court held that there was no requirement for prior notice before a seat re-allocation and that the Senate was right to enforce its rules to maintain order.
The Appeal Court further ruled that the Federal High Court ought to have declined jurisdiction in the matter, having found that the Senate acted in line with its internal regulations.
It also noted that Senator Natasha’s refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions weakened her case.
However, the court set aside the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine earlier imposed on the senator by the trial court, citing the failure to properly serve requisite legal forms as a fatal procedural flaw.
With the judgement, the court effectively upheld the Senate’s disciplinary powers while partially granting relief to the embattled lawmaker, bringing a significant legal battle to a close.
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