The motion also warned that allowing the lower court to proceed could undermine the impact of any future ruling from the appellate court
Appeal Court Stops Lower Court Proceedings in Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Dispute
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered an immediate suspension of proceedings at the Federal High Court in the case filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenging her suspension from the Senate.
This development followed a motion filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who sought an extension of time to appeal a ruling delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court on March 10.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the High Court, arguing that her suspension from the Senate was unconstitutional and violated legislative procedures.
In his March 10 ruling, Justice Egwuatu instructed Akpabio and three other defendants to respond within 72 hours, explaining why the court should not grant an injunction preventing further investigation or disciplinary action against the senator. He emphasized that any action taken by the Senate must comply with constitutional provisions, the Senate Standing Orders (2023), and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
However, Akpabio, through his counsel Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), filed a motion on March 20 seeking more time to appeal the decision. The legal team argued that the High Court’s consolidation of all pending applications for a March 25 hearing denied them the opportunity to file a timely appeal within the statutory 14-day window.
In an affidavit submitted by Toyo Jimmy, a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, it was claimed that the High Court’s approach infringed on the Senate president’s right to fair hearing and access to legal redress.
The motion also warned that allowing the lower court to proceed could undermine the impact of any future ruling from the appellate court.
Agreeing with the arguments, the Court of Appeal, in a ruling delivered on May 21, granted a stay of proceedings at the High Court pending the determination of the appeal. The panel of justices—Hama Barka, Adebukunola Banjoko, and Okon Abang—concluded that allowing the lower court to move forward could render the appellate court’s eventual decision ineffective.
In addition to halting the High Court case, the Appeal Court imposed a ₦100,000 cost against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ordered the related appeal with case number /ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be struck out from the register.
