The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has confirmed the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that the Senate acted within its powers. While the suspension stands, the court nullified a N5 million fine imposed on her over a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The decision settles a high-profile parliamentary dispute that has captured national attention.

In a unanimous ruling, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal against the suspension imposed by the Senate. The judgment clarified that the suspension did not violate her parliamentary privileges or constitutional rights, reinforcing the Senate’s authority over its internal rules and conduct of members.

The appellate court also addressed a related matter: the contempt proceedings and N5 million fine originally imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan were set aside. This fine stemmed from a satirical apology she issued to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which the upper chamber initially deemed disrespectful.

Justice A. B. Muhammed, delivering the lead judgment, highlighted that the Senate President acted within the established Rules by preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from speaking during plenary on February 20, 2025, due to her not occupying her officially designated seat. Under Senate rules, members are only allowed to speak from their assigned seats, and the President has the power to reallocate seating as necessary.
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This ruling is expected to have significant implications for the enforcement of parliamentary procedures in Nigeria, setting a legal precedent on how lawmakers’ conduct and speech are regulated within the Senate. Political analysts have noted that the case underscores the balance between legislative discipline and individual lawmakers’ rights, emphasizing the importance of adhering to institutional protocols.