The legal dispute over the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has escalated as Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh application before the Supreme Court. Court documents filed on Thursday show that Akpabio seeks to regularise and sustain his appeal against lower court rulings on the matter. The case is listed under SC No: SC/CV/1111/2025, relating to Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025 and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
The conflict stems from a February 2025 Senate plenary session in which Akpoti-Uduaghan raised points of privilege and alleged procedural breaches. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions subsequently recommended her suspension. Challenging the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court, which in July 2025 ruled the suspension excessive and unconstitutional.
Akpabio now seeks Supreme Court approval for an extension of time to appeal, leave to appeal on mixed law and fact, and recognition that his notice of appeal and brief of argument are properly filed. He argues the Senate acted within its constitutional powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal processes. Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that her suspension was unlawful and carried out without a fair hearing.
The case also involves a related contempt issue arising from a social media post by Akpoti-Uduaghan during the proceedings, which she has appealed. Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s ruling could clarify the balance between legislative discipline and judicial oversight. Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her Senate duties in September 2025 after completing a six-month suspension, though legal hurdles delayed her return to office.