The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday affirmed the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate. The court ruled that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 66(4) of its standing rules and that the Senator’s fundamental rights were not violated, as she had claimed.

Justice Abba Bello Mohammed explained that Natasha’s refusal to move to a reallocated seat on February 20, 2025, and her failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Petition and Privileges justified the disciplinary action. The appellate court noted that the Senate has the authority to discipline any erring member to maintain order in its proceedings.

The court also dismissed Natasha’s claim that her suspension violated a previous order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, stating that the case was restarted by Justice Binta Nyako, making the earlier order inapplicable. However, the Appeal Court faulted the contempt charge and the N5 million fine imposed by the trial court due to procedural errors.

Consequently, the court set aside the contempt proceedings and the fine, ruling that the failure to serve the required forms on the Senator was a significant procedural lapse. The judgment reinforces the Senate’s disciplinary powers while protecting procedural fairness for members.