Natasha’s Suspension Stands as Appeal Court Vacates ₦5m Contempt Fine

By Mercy Omotosho

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that the Senate acted within the limits of its constitutional and procedural powers.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for misconduct did not violate her parliamentary privileges or infringe on her fundamental rights.

However, the court set aside the contempt proceedings earlier instituted against the lawmaker and nullified the ₦5 million fine imposed on her in connection with a satirical apology directed at the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abba Muhammed ruled that the Senate President acted lawfully when he declined to recognise Akpoti-Uduaghan during plenary proceedings on February 20, 2025, noting that she was not seated in her officially assigned position at the time.

The court explained that under the Senate Rules, the Senate President has the authority to allocate seats to lawmakers and that members are permitted to speak only from their designated seats during plenary sessions.

The panel concluded that the actions taken by the Senate leadership were consistent with established legislative procedures, even as it faulted the contempt charge and related penalty imposed on the senator.

Details to follow.