The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday, 9th February, 2026 affirmed the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers over allegations of misconduct.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel of justices, the appellate court held that neither Akpoti-Uduaghan’s parliamentary privilege nor her fundamental rights were violated by the suspension.
However, the court set aside the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine imposed on the senator over a satirical apology she directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing the sanction as unsustainable.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice A. B. Muhammed further ruled that the Senate President acted within the purview of the Senate Rules when he denied the appellant the opportunity to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025. He noted that she was not seated in her officially allotted seat at the time.
The court emphasized that the Senate President is empowered to allocate seats to lawmakers and that members are permitted to speak only from their designated seats during plenary sessions.
While upholding the Senate’s disciplinary authority, the judgment brings partial relief to Akpoti-Uduaghan by nullifying the contempt ruling and financial penalty imposed against her.
