Appeal Court Upholds Natasha’s Suspension, Nullifies ₦5 Million Fine
By Erewunmi Peace
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate but nullified the ₦5 million fine previously imposed on her by a lower court.
Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan had been suspended over alleged misconduct during plenary proceedings in 2025. The Federal High Court initially confirmed her suspension and imposed a ₦5 million fine for contempt in connection with a satirical apology she issued.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal found that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers in suspending the lawmaker. However, the court determined that the lower court’s contempt charge and fine were procedurally flawed and therefore invalid.
The appellate court’s decision reinforces the Senate’s authority to discipline its members while clarifying the limits of judicial intervention in legislative disciplinary matters.
Legal analysts say the ruling highlights the importance of upholding parliamentary procedures and ensuring that disciplinary sanctions are applied fairly and within the law.
