Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in order – Appeal Court

Court of Appeal on Monday upheld the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying the Senate acted within its powers to have suspended her for six months.

Natasha represents Kogi Central Senatorial District and was suspended by the 10th Senate over misconduct, a development that generated legal fireworks.

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The three-member Court of Appeal panel of Justices were unanimous and expressed satisfaction over the decision of the Senate, adding that neither the Appellant’s parliamentary privilege nor her constitutional rights were breached as a result of her suspension from the Senate.

However, the contempt proceeding and N5 million damages awarded against Senator Natasha was however, vacated by the Appellate Court, saying her satirical apology to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio did not breach his fundamental right.

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Justice Abba Muhammed in his lead judgment, said the appellate court held that the Senate President was not wrong to have denied Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was not on the official seat that was allotted to her during plenary on February 20th 2025, the opportunity to speak.

His Lordship maintained that Senate President is empowered by rules governing plenary to allocate seats to Senators, while lawmakers could speak from their seats allocated to them.

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