Tag: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday, upheld the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate, affirming the legislature’s constitutional authority to discipline its members. In a unanimous judgment, the appellate court held that the Senate acted within its powers and that Senator Natasha’s fundamental rights were not breached, contrary to her claims. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed ruled that under Section 66(4) of the Senate Standing Rules, the Senate is empowered to take disciplinary measures against any erring member in order to maintain order during its proceedings. The court found that Senator Natasha acted wrongly during the February 20, 2025 incident, when the Senate President ordered her to move to a newly allocated seat, an order she reportedly refused to obey. The panel further dismissed her argument that she was entitled to prior notice of the seat re-allocation, holding that no such provision exists under the Senate rules. Justice Mohammed also faulted the Federal High Court for assuming jurisdiction in the first place, stating that the lower court ought to have declined jurisdiction after establishing that the Senate acted in accordance with its internal rules permitting the suspension of an erring member. The appellate court added that Senator Natasha should have complied with the Senate’s directive by moving to the new seat, noting that the Senate was justified in enforcing Order Six, Rule Two following her persistent refusal to obey its directive. The court further held that her failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions weakened her case. On her claim that the suspension violated an earlier court order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, the Court of Appeal dismissed the argument, ruling that the order ceased to have effect after Justice Egwuatu recused himself and the matter was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako. However, the appellate court partially allowed her appeal by setting aside the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine imposed on her by Justice Nyako. According to the court, the trial court’s failure to serve Forms 48 and 49 on the senator was fatal to the contempt charge. Consequently, while affirming her suspension, the Court of Appeal nullified the contempt proceedings and the accompanying fine imposed on the Kogi Central senator.