Akpabio vs Natasha: Appeal Court nullifies N5m fine, apology order

The Court of Appeal has set aside the N5 million fine and apology order earlier imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in a contempt proceeding linked to her disputed six-month suspension from the Senate.

In a judgment delivered on Monday, the appellate court held that the contempt process was invalid because mandatory legal steps were not followed. It found that the failure to properly serve Forms 48 and 49, as required by law in contempt actions, rendered the entire proceeding incompetent.

The court ruled that the procedural defects undermined the case from the outset and resolved the issue in favour of Akpoti-Uduaghan. It consequently nullified both the fine and the directive requiring her to apologise.

The appeal is part of the broader legal dispute surrounding the senator’s suspension, which she has challenged as unconstitutional. The disciplinary action has drawn criticism from legal analysts and civil society groups who argue that its length and nature deny her constituents representation.

Members of the senator’s legal team said the ruling underscores the requirement for strict adherence to due process, even in internal legislative matters.

They noted that while the legislature has disciplinary authority, such powers must be exercised within constitutional and procedural limits.

Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan said the decision could influence ongoing proceedings over her suspension and shape future standards for legislative discipline and accountability.