The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio connected to the ongoing dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court also imposed a fine of ₦100,000 against Akpabio.
Presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, the three-judge panel struck out the motions on May 21, 2025, after Akpabio requested to withdraw his appeal. The motions, filed on March 3 and March 25, 2025, sought to enlarge the time for filing an appeal and to halt proceedings in the Federal High Court suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The case, Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, involves Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge of her suspension from the Senate. The respondents include Akpoti-Uduaghan herself, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and Senator Neda Imasuem, chairman of the Senate ethics committee.
Akpabio’s motions asked the court for “an order enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court delivered on March 10, 2025,” and “an order staying further proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.”
The court ruled: “Application seeking to withdraw the two motions dated and filed on 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and the motions are struck out. Costs of ₦100,000 are awarded to the 1st Respondent. Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be deleted.”
This decision restricts Akpabio’s legal options in the protracted dispute with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been vocal in contesting her suspension.
