The legal battle arising from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has reached the Supreme Court, following an application filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his official capacity.
Court documents show that Akpabio has approached the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal against decisions connected to the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker. The application was filed at the Supreme Court in Abuja.
In the suit, Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while the respondents include Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.
The dispute traces back to events at a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues relating to parliamentary privilege and legislative procedure. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and subsequently led to her suspension from legislative activities.
Challenging the disciplinary action, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging violations of her right to a fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders.
In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court examined questions bordering on parliamentary procedure and the extent of judicial intervention in legislative affairs. The matter later proceeded to the Court of Appeal.
Akpabio has now filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.
The application, brought under the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act and relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), argues that the appeal raises important constitutional and procedural issues.
Akpabio contends that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, which authorises the National Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings. He also argues that the presiding officer of the Senate is not obligated to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary, and that the internal disciplinary processes followed were in line with Senate rules.
In her response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that her suspension breached her right to a fair hearing and that the Senate failed to comply with its Standing Orders before referring her to the ethics committee and imposing sanctions.
It was confirmed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, that legal counsel to the parties had been duly served with the Supreme Court processes, bringing the matter formally before the apex court.
The dispute also includes a related contempt proceeding arising from a social media post made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan while the case was pending. The Federal High Court had held that the post violated a subsisting court order, imposed a fine and directed a public apology.
The senator has appealed that decision, arguing that the alleged contempt was criminal in nature and required strict compliance with statutory procedures.
Both matters are now before the Supreme Court for further adjudication.
Post comments (0)