Appeal Court Strikes Out Akpabio’s Appeals Against Natasha’s Suspension, Award Damages To Natasha
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has struck out two appeals filed by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio against the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension suit at the High Court.
In a unanimous decision delivered by Justices Hamma Barka, Adebukunola Banjoko, and Okon Abang, the appellate court struck out the motions dated 20th and 25th March 2025, following a formal application to withdraw them.
The court further awarded the sum of ₦100,000 in costs to the 1st respondent, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Additionally, the court ordered that Appeal No: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 be deleted.
The Senate President had sought multiple reliefs from the appellate court, including:
1. An order enlarging the time within which he could seek leave to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025. The judgment was delivered by Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu on 10th March 2025.
2. An order granting leave to appeal against the High Court’s decision in the same suit.
3. An order extending the time within which the appellant could file a Notice of Appeal against the said judgment.
4. An order staying further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of his appeal.
However, with the withdrawal and subsequent striking out of the motions, the reliefs sought by the Senate President are effectively nullified at this stage.
This ruling marks a significant legal win for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her ongoing legal battle surrounding her controversial suspension.
