Akpabio Challenges Natasha Suspension Ruling At Apex Court

Akpabio Challenges Natasha Suspension Ruling At Apex Court

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeal’s rulings on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The case stems from a controversy in February 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns about parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural irregularities during a plenary session.

The Supreme Court filing lists Akpabio as the appellant and includes Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, as respondents.

The lower courts examined the balance between parliamentary privilege and judicial intervention, with the Court of Appeal striking out Akpabio’s brief for procedural defects, while upholding that the six-month suspension was excessive.

Akpabio’s legal team argues that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures.
The Supreme Court appeal formally joins Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, paving the way for a full hearing.

The case also includes a related contempt matter over a social media post made by the senator during proceedings, which had been previously fined by the Federal High Court and ordered a public apology.

Both the suspension and contempt issues are now set to be considered at the apex court, raising questions about legislative authority, due process, and judicial oversight.