Court of Appeal Upholds Senate’s Disciplinary Powers, Voids ₦5m Contempt Fine Against Senator Natasha

Court of Appeal Upholds Senate’s Disciplinary Powers, Voids ₦5m Contempt Fine Against Senator Natasha

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on 9 February 2026 dismissed the appeal by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, holding that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain issues arising from the internal affairs of the Nigerian Senate. The Court affirmed the Senate’s constitutional authority to regulate its proceedings, including seat reallocation, control of debate, referral to the Ethics Committee, and disciplinary measures, and upheld all grounds of the cross-appeal filed by Godswill Akpabio.

 It further ruled that the trial court’s remarks on the six-month suspension were mere obiter and that the suspension, lawfully imposed, was neither excessive nor unlawful.

However, the Court set aside the ₦5 million contempt fine, holding that the alleged contempt was criminal in nature and was not prosecuted in compliance with due criminal procedure, including Forms 48 and 49.

The judgment decisively reinforces parliamentary autonomy and separation of powers, confirming that the Senate’s power to discipline its members is constitutionally protected and justiciable only where there is a clear breach of the Constitution or statute. Crucially, the Court held that lawful disciplinary action by the Senate does not infringe a member’s fundamental rights; such rights are not activated outside compliance with Senate rules governing participation. In effect, members must submit to internal legislative discipline, and courts will not intervene unless there is a demonstrable constitutional violation.