News

Appeal Court Upholds Senate’s Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Published

8 months ago

February 9, 2026

Quick Summary:
Court of Appeal affirms Senate’s power to suspend Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, but sets aside contempt charge and N5 million fine.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday, affirmed the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The appellate court ruled that the Senate has constitutional authority to discipline any erring member, and that Senator Natasha’s fundamental rights were not violated, contrary to her claims.

Delivering judgment in the appeal filed by the senator against the Federal High Court’s earlier decision, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed held that Section 66(4) of the Senate’s Standing Rules empowers the upper chamber to invoke disciplinary measures to maintain order and decorum during its proceedings.

Court Faults Natasha’s Conduct During Senate Session

The court found that Senator Natasha acted wrongly during the February 20, 2025 incident, when she refused to accept a new seat allocation ordered by the Senate President.

It further held that her claim of not receiving prior notice of the seat change was untenable, as no such requirement exists under the Senate’s rules.

The court also ruled that the Federal High Court should have declined jurisdiction in the first instance, having found that the Senate acted within its internal disciplinary powers.

Refusal to Appear Before Senate Committee

The appellate court noted that Senator Natasha’s refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Petitions, and Privileges further weakened her case.

It held that the Senate acted lawfully in enforcing discipline after her non-compliance with internal procedures.

Contempt Charge and Fine Set Aside

While upholding the Senate’s suspension, the Court of Appeal faulted the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine imposed on Senator Natasha by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.

The appellate court ruled that the failure to serve Forms 48 and 49 on the senator rendered the contempt process invalid.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal set aside both the contempt charge and the ₦5 million fine.

Clarification on Earlier Court Orders

The court also dismissed Natasha’s claim that her suspension violated an earlier order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, explaining that the order ceased to exist once Justice Egwuatu recused himself and the matter was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako.

Summary of the Judgment

Senate suspension upheld as lawful and within its powers.
Natasha’s rights not breached under the circumstances.
Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
Contempt charge and ₦5 million fine against Natasha set aside.

Up Next

Oluremi Tinubu Hails US Airstrikes in Sokoto as “Blessing,” Highlights Nigeria’s Security Reforms

Don't Miss

Man Dies After Entering Well to Retrieve Burning Gas Cylinder in Kano

Click to comment

News

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Published

16 hours ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Published

17 hours ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Published

17 hours ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.