Federal High Court Finds Senator Natasha Guilty of Contempt, Imposes ₦5 Million Fine

The Federal High Court in Abuja has found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, guilty of contempt of court and has ordered her to pay a fine of ₦5 million. The ruling, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on Friday, July 4, 2025, also mandated the senator to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her social media page within seven days.

The contempt charge stemmed from a “satirical apology” post made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on her Facebook page on April 27, 2025. Justice Nyako ruled that the post was in clear defiance of a previous court order that had prohibited all parties involved in an ongoing suit from making public comments to the press or on social media regarding the case.

The contempt application was filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who argued that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s social media activity breached the court’s directive. While the senator’s legal team contended that the post related to a separate matter concerning sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, Justice Nyako concluded, after reviewing the evidence, that the content was indeed linked to the substantive case before the court.

The contempt ruling was part of a broader judgment in a suit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her six-month suspension by the Senate. The suspension followed an altercation with Senate President Akpabio over seat arrangements and her subsequent accusations of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

In a related and significant aspect of the same judgment, Justice Nyako also ordered the Senate to immediately recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from her suspension. The judge described the six-month disciplinary action as “excessive” and unconstitutional, asserting that the Senate had overreached its powers by denying the lawmaker’s constituents representation for an extended period.

The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s resolve to enforce its orders and maintain the sanctity of its proceedings, even against high-ranking political office holders. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is also reportedly facing separate legal challenges, including charges of cybercrime and defamation in other courts in the nation’s capital.