Appeal Court Dismisses Akpabio’s Motions, Orders ₦100,000 Payment to Senator Natasha

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a legal dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, also ordering him to pay ₦100,000 in costs.

Naija News reports that the motions—dated March 20 and 25, 2025—sought to challenge an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court that barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Kogi Central senator had filed suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 following her contentious exchange with Akpabio during a Senate session on February 20, 2025. In response, Akpabio approached the appellate court to seek:

• An extension of time to file an appeal,

• Leave to appeal the High Court’s decision, and

• A stay of proceedings in the matter.

However, during the Appeal Court hearing, Akpabio’s legal counsel, Deborah D. Anyanwu, applied to withdraw the motions without offering a reason. The three-member panel led by Justice Hamma Barka, with Justices Adebukunola Banjoko and Okon Abang concurring, granted the withdrawal request.

The court struck out the motions and ordered the removal of the associated appeal, CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025, from its records. Additionally, the court awarded ₦100,000 in legal costs to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The enrolled order, signed by Deputy Chief Registrar Josephine J. Ekperobe, reads:

“Application seeking to withdraw the two motions dated and filed on the 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and same struck out. Cost of ₦100,000 awarded to the 1st Respondent.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier secured a Federal High Court order declaring that any disciplinary action against her while the suit was ongoing would be null and void. She argued that the summons and proceedings by the Senate committee violated her rights and due process.

Although no official reason was provided for Akpabio’s legal team’s withdrawal, the move suggests either a change in legal strategy or a step toward de-escalating rising tensions within the Senate.