Appeal Court Upholds Natasha Akpoti’s Suspension, Voids Contempt Fine

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers.

In a unanimous judgment in the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025, the court held that the suspension did not violate her parliamentary privileges or constitutional rights.

However, the appellate court set aside the contempt proceedings and the N5 million fine imposed on the senator over a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice A. B. Muhammed stated that the Senate President was within his rights to deny Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025, since she was not seated in her officially assigned seat. The court noted that under Senate Rules, the presiding officer has the authority to allocate seats and that members may only speak from their designated positions.