By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a significant legal setback for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out two motions he filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and ordered him to pay a fine of ₦100,000.
The ruling, delivered on May 21, 2025, by a three-man panel of justices led by Justice Hamman Barka, came after Akpabio moved to withdraw the motions dated March 20 and March 25, 2025. The motions had challenged aspects of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s emergence and activities in the Red Chamber.
Justice Barka, while granting the withdrawal, 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.”
The matter also had Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, listed as an interested party. Although details of the specific legal contention were not disclosed, sources familiar with the matter described it as “part of a broader political tussle within the Senate leadership.”
The ruling is seen by many as a boost to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s standing in the Senate and a subtle warning against frivolous legal manoeuvres in the upper chamber. A legal observer, Barr. Emmanuel Igwe, commented, “This decision by the Appeal Court reinforces the judiciary’s stance that the courtroom is not a playground for political theatrics. If you must challenge your colleague, come with substance or pay for the disruption.”
Neither Senator Akpabio nor his legal representatives have issued a formal response as of press time. However, allies of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan are already celebrating what they view as a symbolic victory against perceived intimidation.
This judgment underscores the judiciary’s evolving assertiveness in ensuring accountability and order, even among Nigeria’s top political leaders.