The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday affirmed the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate, ruled that the upper chamber acted within its legal powers.
Delivering judgment on the appeal against a Federal High Court ruling, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed stated that the Senate has the authority to discipline erring members under Section 66(4) of its standing rules, and that the Senator’s fundamental rights were not breached.
The court noted that Natasha’s refusal to accept a new seat allocated to her by the Senate President on February 20, 2025, justified the disciplinary action. Her claim that she was not given prior notice was dismissed, as there is no legal provision requiring such notification.
Justice Mohammed also said that the Senator’s failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Petition, and Privileges further compounded her situation. The court added that an earlier order cited by Natasha from Justice Obiora Egwuatu was no longer valid after he recused himself and the matter was reassigned.
However, the Appeal Court set aside the contempt charge and the N5 million fine imposed on her, citing procedural lapses, including the failure to serve her with the required forms.
The ruling upheld the Senate’s suspension of Senator Natasha while nullified the financial penalty imposed by the lower court.
