The legal tussle surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has taken a fresh turn as Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, returned to the Supreme Court to challenge appellate decisions linked to the controversy.
According to Leadership, Akpabio, acting in his capacity as President of the Senate, has filed a motion before the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal over the disciplinary action taken against the Kogi lawmaker.
The prolonged dispute has continued to fuel national debate on legislative discipline, constitutional rights, and the limits of parliamentary authority.
The suit, filed at the Supreme Court in Abuja, lists Akpabio 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 appeal follows a series of legal setbacks at lower courts arising from the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan from Senate proceedings.
The crisis traces its roots to a plenary session of the Senate held in February 2025, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues touching on parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural irregularities.
Her actions were later referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, a process that culminated in her suspension from legislative duties.
Unhappy with the Senate’s decision, the lawmaker approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that her suspension violated her constitutional right to a fair hearing and breached the Senate Standing Orders.
In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the trial court examined far-reaching issues bordering on parliamentary privilege, internal legislative procedures, and the extent to which courts can intervene in the affairs of the legislature.
Following developments at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now escalated the matter to the Supreme Court.
In his application, he is 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 motion was brought pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act, and relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Akpabio’s legal team argued that the appeal raises substantial constitutional and procedural issues deserving the attention of the apex court.
They contended that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its own procedure.
According to the appellant, the presiding officer of the Senate is not mandatorily required to rule immediately on every point of privilege once raised, adding that the Senate lawfully activated its internal disciplinary mechanisms in response to what it described as disorderly conduct during plenary.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently maintained that her suspension was unlawful, excessive, and carried out in breach of her right to a fair hearing.
She argued that the Senate failed to comply with its own Standing Orders before referring her to the ethics committee and imposing disciplinary sanctions, thereby denying her a fair opportunity to defend herself.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel was formally served with the Supreme Court processes relating to the appeal, effectively bringing all parties before the apex court.
The case also involves a related contempt proceeding arising from a social media post allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during the pendency of the suit.
The Federal High Court ruled that the post violated a subsisting restraining order, imposing a fine and directing the senator to issue a public apology.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has also challenged the decision on appeal, arguing that the alleged contempt was ex facie curiae and criminal in nature, requiring strict compliance with statutory procedures.
