By John Umeh
In a decisive legal blow to former Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has struck out multiple motions filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, dismissing them as lacking merit. In addition to the dismissal, the court imposed a fine of ₦100,000 on Akpabio for what it described as a waste of judicial time and an attempt to distract from due process.
The ruling, delivered by a three-member panel of justices, represents a significant win for Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, who has faced several legal challenges from Akpabio in what many have described as politically motivated tactics. The case, which has drawn national attention, underscores the ongoing power struggles within the Senate and the shifting dynamics of political influence in Nigeria.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The case stems from a controversial motion earlier filed by Akpabio challenging the legislative legitimacy and conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Senate chambers. Akpabio, through his legal team, had sought declarative reliefs and injunctive orders aimed at limiting her participation in certain Senate proceedings, alleging procedural breaches and personal misconduct—allegations Natasha has repeatedly denied and described as “baseless, distracting, and designed to intimidate.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal advocate of democratic reforms, women’s inclusion, and anti-corruption in governance, viewed the legal moves against her as part of a broader campaign to undermine her legislative credibility and silence her from exposing irregularities in Senate leadership decisions.
Court’s Verdict: No Merit, No Case
In its verdict, the appellate court wasted no time in outlining its position. Justice Mohammed Abubakar, who read the unanimous ruling, said Akpabio’s applications “lacked substance and bordered on a deliberate abuse of court processes.” The court held that no prima facie case had been established to warrant the reliefs being sought.
Justice Abubakar stated:
“This court finds the appellant’s motions not only frivolous but also devoid of legal merit. The attempts to frustrate legislative duties through judicial intimidation are hereby condemned. For the needless waste of judicial resources, a cost of ₦100,000 is awarded against the appellant, to be paid to the respondent.”
The fine, though modest in monetary terms, sends a symbolic warning against what the court views as the rising trend of politically motivated litigation intended to stall legislative activity and harass elected lawmakers.
Natasha Reacts: ‘Justice Has Prevailed’
Speaking outside the court shortly after the verdict, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan praised the judiciary for what she called “a courageous and unambiguous stand for justice, democracy, and due process.”
She said:
“Today’s ruling is a win not just for me, but for every Nigerian lawmaker who is committed to transparency, service, and progress. This victory reinforces the idea that intimidation—no matter how powerful the source—cannot override truth and the rule of law.”
Supporters who gathered at the court premises erupted in celebration, holding banners and chanting solidarity songs in support of the senator, whose political journey has often been marked by resilience against elite opposition.
Political and Legal Implications
The verdict carries broader political implications, especially within the upper chambers of the National Assembly. Akpabio, who has maintained a visible presence in national politics and held powerful positions within the Senate, now faces criticism for what analysts describe as “a miscalculated legal offensive.”
Legal experts believe the judgment could set a precedent in future intra-legislative disputes, signaling that courts are unwilling to entertain cases perceived to be politically driven rather than constitutionally grounded.
Barr. Tunde Owolabi, a constitutional lawyer, noted:
“This ruling is important because it affirms that judicial power cannot be weaponized for political score-settling. If a lawmaker has a grievance, there are ethical and institutional channels to follow—not frequent, frivolous lawsuits.”
A Legal Win with a Message
With this court victory, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerges with her political standing further strengthened and her legal battles vindicated—at least for now. The ruling also sends a clear message to political figures across the spectrum: the courtroom is not a battlefield for vendettas and political harassment.
As Nigeria’s democracy matures, cases like this highlight the importance of an independent judiciary that remains committed to truth, transparency, and justice, even in the face of powerful interests.
The ₦100,000 fine may be a small amount, but its impact is far-reaching—it underscores that even the powerful must tread carefully when stepping into the halls of justice.
