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.
