Appeal Court Upholds Natasha Akpoti’s Suspension, Says Senate Acted Within Its Powers

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled that the Senate had the authority to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, over allegations of misconduct.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the court said the suspension did not violate her constitutional rights or her privileges as a lawmaker.

The justices stated they were satisfied that the Senate acted within the limits of its powers.

However, the court set aside the contempt charge and the ₦5 million fine previously imposed on the senator over a satirical apology she directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In the lead judgment read by Justice Abba Muhammed, the court also ruled that the Senate President acted in line with the chamber’s rules when he refused to allow Natasha Akpoti to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025, because she was not seated in her assigned position.

The court explained that the Senate President has the authority to assign seats to lawmakers and that members are expected to address the chamber only from the seats officially allocated to them.

The dispute dates back to a February 2025 plenary session when Natasha Akpoti raised issues of privilege and alleged procedural breaches.

The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, which recommended her six months suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming her right to a fair hearing was violated and Senate rules were not followed.

However, Akpabio argued that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, which allows it to manage its internal affairs.

Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to her duties on September 23, 2025, after serving a six-month suspension and regaining access to her office.

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