On May 21, 2025, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, delivered a significant ruling by striking out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his legal dispute with suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court, presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, also imposed a ₦100,000 fine against Akpabio in favor of Senator Natasha, marking a notable development in the ongoing legal battle. This decision stems from a broader case challenging Natasha’s six-month suspension from the Senate, highlighting tensions within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
The motions, part of an appeal marked CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025, were linked to a Federal High Court ruling (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) that had restrained the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Natasha. Akpabio, as the appellant, sought to challenge this lower court’s decision, which protected Natasha from further sanctions pending the resolution of her suspension case. The Court of Appeal, however, found no merit in Akpabio’s motions, leading to their dismissal and the subsequent deletion of the appeal from the court’s records.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended from the Senate for six months, a decision she has contested as unjust and procedurally flawed. Her legal team argued that the Federal High Court’s restraining order was necessary to prevent irreparable harm while her substantive case is heard. The Court of Appeal’s ruling reinforces this position, affirming Natasha’s right to seek judicial protection against what she claims is a targeted disciplinary action.
Justice Barka’s panel, in delivering the judgment, emphasized the importance of adhering to legal processes in legislative disputes. The ₦100,000 cost awarded to Natasha as the 1st Respondent underscores the court’s disapproval of Akpabio’s motions, which were deemed lacking in substance. This financial penalty, though modest, serves as a symbolic rebuke and may influence how similar cases are approached in the future.
The dispute between Akpabio and Natasha has drawn significant public and media attention, reflecting broader issues of power dynamics and accountability within the Nigerian Senate. Natasha’s suspension reportedly stemmed from allegations of misconduct, though specifics remain contentious and are central to her ongoing legal challenge. The Court of Appeal’s decision to strike out Akpabio’s motions strengthens Natasha’s position, at least temporarily, as she continues to fight her suspension in court.
This ruling also highlights the judiciary’s role in mediating conflicts within Nigeria’s political institutions. By upholding the Federal High Court’s restraining order and dismissing Akpabio’s appeal, the Court of Appeal has signaled its commitment to ensuring due process in legislative disciplinary matters. The case remains a focal point for observers tracking governance and judicial independence in Nigeria.
Looking ahead, the substantive case regarding Natasha’s suspension will likely determine the long-term implications of this legal skirmish. For now, the Court of Appeal’s decision represents a setback for Akpabio and a victory for Natasha, who has leveraged the courts to challenge her exclusion from Senate activities. The ₦100,000 cost, while not financially crippling, adds a layer of accountability to the Senate President’s actions in this dispute.
