The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate, ruling that the Red Chamber acted within its constitutional authority in disciplining the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In its judgment, the three-man panel of justices held that the Senate did not violate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s parliamentary privileges or fundamental rights when suspending her for alleged misconduct. The court emphasized that the disciplinary action complied with the rules governing Senate proceedings.
However, the appellate court set aside a prior contempt ruling against the senator and nullified the ₦5 million fine imposed over a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
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Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abba Muhammed explained that the Senate President acted lawfully when he barred the senator from speaking during plenary on February 20, 2025.
The ruling is expected to reinforce the Senate’s authority to enforce discipline among its members while upholding the boundaries of parliamentary procedures.
