The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday found the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, guilty of contempt of court.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, the court held that the lawmaker violated its earlier order by publishing a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The apology, posted on her Facebook page on April 7, was found to have mocked a gag order previously imposed by the court on all parties involved in the case.
Justice Nyako ruled that the post constituted a clear act of contempt, undermining the authority of the court.
As a result, the court ordered Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a formal apology within seven days—both on her Facebook page and in two national newspapers. Additionally, she was fined N5 million for the contempt, which the court emphasized occurred in the context of a civil proceeding.
Although the contempt action was initiated by Senate President Akpabio, the court declined to grant any additional relief in his favour.
Meanwhile, the court has moved on to deliver judgement in a separate case filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenging the six-month suspension imposed on her by the Senate.
Details to follow.
