The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate, ruling that the Red Chamber acted within its constitutional powers.

In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the Senate did not violate the lawmaker’s parliamentary privileges or fundamental rights when it suspended her for misconduct.

The court ruled that the disciplinary process followed the Senate’s established rules and procedures, stressing that internal parliamentary regulations must be respected by all members, irrespective of status or seniority.

However, the appellate court set aside the earlier contempt ruling against Akpoti-Uduaghan and nullified the ₦5 million fine imposed on her over a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abba Muhammed stated that Senate President Akpabio acted lawfully when he declined to allow the senator to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025.

The court noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not seated in her officially assigned position at the time she attempted to address the chamber, adding that Senate rules clearly empower the Senate President to allocate seats to lawmakers.

According to the justices, members are only permitted to speak from their designated seats during plenary sessions, a rule aimed at maintaining order and discipline in legislative proceedings.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had approached the court to challenge her suspension, arguing that the action was politically motivated and unlawful.