Court Rules Against Senator Natasha Over Seat Row, Cancels ₦5m Fine

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the Senate President acted within his authority when he reassigned Senator Natasha’s seat, noting that senators are required to speak only from their designated positions.

The court held that Natasha was wrong in her refusal to comply with the seat reallocation on February 20, 2025, and dismissed her claim that she was not given prior notice, stating that the Senate Rules do not require advance notification.

Justice Mohammed, delivering the unanimous judgment, said the Federal High Court should have declined jurisdiction, as the Senate acted in line with its powers to suspend any member who defies orders.

The appellate court added that upon being informed of her new seat, Natasha should have moved accordingly. Her repeated refusal to follow Senate directives and failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Petitions and Privileges further weakened her case.

The court also rejected her argument that her suspension violated an earlier order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, noting that the order became invalid after the judge recused himself and the matter was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako.

However, the Court of Appeal nullified the contempt charge and the ₦5 million fine imposed on Natasha, ruling that the trial court’s failure to properly serve Forms 48 and 49 was fatal to the proceedings.

The ruling effectively sets aside the contempt proceedings and the fine against the Kogi senator.