The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a judgment against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ordering her to pay a fine of N5 million to the Federal Government Treasury and to issue a public apology within seven days. The ruling, delivered by Honourable Justice B.F.M. Nyako, came after the court found the senator in breach of a subsisting court order.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the court against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen. The matter arose over issues bordering on her representation and privileges as a senator.
Delivering judgment, Justice Nyako ruled that all previous orders and pending applications became seized with the new originating summons, preliminary objections, and interlocutory injunction motions now to be considered together.
The court held that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions violated a standing court order, necessitating remedial action. Consequently, the court ordered her to pay a fine of N5 million and publish a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days to purge herself of contempt.
In a detailed ruling, the court addressed various reliefs sought by the plaintiff, affirming that:
- The Senate Rules are superior to the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act where conflicts arise.
- The Senate President holds discretion to allocate and re-allocate seats to Senators without conditions.
- Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, having not complied with Senate Rules governing the raising of privilege issues, could not demand action from the 2nd and 3rd defendants.
- The suspension of a senator for 180 days was deemed excessive and an overreach, contravening Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.
Importantly, the court concluded by urging the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her resume representing her constituency in accordance with democratic principles.
This judgment marks a significant development in the ongoing political and legal tussle within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
