LEGAL: Appeal Court Backs Senate, Upholds Six-Month Suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

By our Judicial Correspondent, February 10,2026.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate, affirming that the legislative chamber acted within its constitutional authority to discipline its members.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday, a three-member panel led by Hon. Justice Abba B. Mohammed ruled that the Senate’s action was consistent with its internal rules and procedures and did not violate the senator’s fundamental rights or parliamentary privileges.

The appellate court struck out the suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, holding that it lacks jurisdiction to interfere in the internal proceedings of the legislature. The panel emphasized that the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to regulate its own procedures and enforce discipline among its members.

According to the judgment, the Senate did not breach the law by re-allocating the senator’s seat, restricting her from speaking during plenary, or referring her to the Ethics Committee over allegations of misconduct.

However, while upholding the suspension, the court set aside the contempt proceedings earlier initiated against the senator. It also nullified the ₦5 million fine previously imposed on her in relation to an apology directive, ruling that the contempt charge was not sustainable in law and should not have been entertained by the lower court.

The ruling effectively affirms the Senate’s disciplinary powers while providing partial relief to Akpoti-Uduaghan on the sanctions tied to the contempt findings.

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Jalingo Times.

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