The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has struck out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, challenging an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court which barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The motions, which were filed on March 20 and 25, 2025, sought to overturn a judgement delivered on March 10, 2025, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu. In that judgement, the court had granted an injunction restraining the Senate Committee from investigating or taking any steps against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The legal dispute stemmed from a heated exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio during plenary on February 20, 2025. Following the incident, the Senate Committee summoned the senator for questioning, prompting her to approach the Federal High Court to halt what she described as a targeted move to silence her.
Through her legal representatives, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought judicial protection, urging the court to nullify any actions taken by the committee while the case was pending. Justice Egwuatu ruled in her favour, ordering a temporary halt to any committee proceedings until further notice.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Senator Akpabio’s legal team approached the Court of Appeal, seeking leave to file a substantive appeal out of time and to suspend the execution of the lower court’s decision. However, in a twist during the hearing on May 21, 2025, Akpabio’s counsel opted to withdraw both motions.
The appellate court, led by Justice Hamma Barka, granted the application for withdrawal and struck out both motions. The panel, which also included Justices Adebukunola Banjoko and Okon Abang, ordered Akpabio to pay the sum of ₦100,000 to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as costs for legal expenses.
Additionally, the court directed that the related appeal, registered under number CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025, be expunged from its record.
With the decision, the appellate court effectively upheld the original Federal High Court ruling, providing temporary judicial protection for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and halting any disciplinary actions against her by the Senate committee—at least for now.
