Court of Appeal Affirms Senate’s Power to Suspend Natasha Akpoti

Court of Appeal Affirms Senate’s Power to Suspend Natasha Akpoti

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the Senate’s constitutional power to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, effectively affirming the legality of the disciplinary action taken against the Kogi Central lawmaker.

In a unanimous judgement delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted within its constitutional and legislative powers when it suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of misconduct on the Senate floor. The court held that the suspension did not violate her fundamental rights or parliamentary privileges as claimed.

However, while backing the Senate’s authority, the Court of Appeal set aside the ₦5 million fine and apology order earlier imposed on the senator in related contempt proceedings. The judges ruled that those penalties were excessive and lacked sufficient legal grounding.

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The ruling effectively means that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains in force, while the financial and reputational sanctions attached to the earlier court ruling have been nullified.

The case stemmed from a high-profile dispute involving the senator and the Senate leadership, which escalated into legal action after she challenged her suspension in court. The matter sparked national debate on legislative discipline, lawmakers’ rights, and the limits of parliamentary authority.

With this judgement, the Court of Appeal has drawn a clear line: while lawmakers are entitled to free expression, the Senate retains the power to discipline its members in line with its standing rules and the Constitution.

Political observers say the ruling could set a significant precedent for future disputes involving internal legislative sanctions and judicial intervention.

Court of Appeal Affirms Senate’s Power to Suspend Natasha Akpoti