In a major legal victory for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has struck out two separate appeals filed by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over her controversial suspension case. The ruling dealt a significant blow to Akpabio’s efforts to challenge a pending suit at the Federal High Court.
The appellate court, presided over by a panel of three justices—Hamma Barka, Adebukunola Banjoko, and Okon Abang—delivered a unanimous verdict, striking out the motions dated 20th and 25th March 2025. The decision followed a formal application by the Senate President to withdraw the appeals.
In addition to striking out the motions, the court awarded ₦100,000 in damages to the 1st respondent, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for the legal costs incurred. The court also ordered the deletion of Appeal No: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 from its records.
Senator Akpabio had approached the appellate court seeking four key reliefs:
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An extension of time to seek leave to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on 10th March 2025.
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Leave to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court.
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Extension of time to file a Notice of Appeal against the said judgment.
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A stay of further proceedings at the lower court pending the determination of his appeal.
With the withdrawal of the motions and their subsequent dismissal by the Court of Appeal, all the reliefs previously sought by the Senate President have been rendered null and void.
Legal analysts say the decision represents a notable affirmation of judicial fairness and rule of law, especially in a politically sensitive case that has drawn nationwide attention. For Senator Natasha, the ruling is a reaffirmation of her position in an ongoing legal fight that has seen fierce contestation from the highest levels of the Senate.
This development underscores the judiciary's critical role in resolving disputes involving powerful political actors and sets the tone for further proceedings in the lower court, where the substantive matter surrounding her suspension continues.