The latest ruling adds to the political drama surrounding the senator, who remains a vocal and controversial figure in the National Assembly
Just In: Court Finds Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Guilty of Contempt, Fines Her N5 Million
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday found suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, guilty of contempt of court, following a satirical apology she posted on social media, in defiance of a subsisting court order.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, the court held that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s April 7 Facebook post — addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio — constituted a mockery of the court’s gag order on parties involved in the ongoing legal proceedings.
“The apology published by the respondent was a clear violation of the restraining order earlier issued by this court. It was not made in good faith, but in a satirical and contemptuous manner,” Justice Nyako ruled.
As a result, the court imposed a N5 million fine on the embattled senator and directed her to publish a formal apology to the court in two national newspapers as well as on her Facebook page within seven days.
Although the contempt proceedings stemmed from a complaint initiated by Senator Akpabio, the court notably declined to grant any specific reliefs in his favour.
Meanwhile, the court also began delivering judgment on the substantive suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenging her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate. She had been suspended earlier this year in a move that sparked nationwide debate and criticism from civil society groups.
The latest ruling adds to the political drama surrounding the senator, who remains a vocal and controversial figure in the National Assembly.
More details to follow…
