The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, delivered a significant ruling finding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, guilty of contempt of court over her recent actions on social media.
Presiding over the case, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had wilfully violated an existing court order by posting a satirical and mocking apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio on her official Facebook page on April 7. The court emphasized that the senator’s social media post was not in line with the spirit of the gag order that had been previously issued to both parties, which required them to refrain from making public comments regarding ongoing proceedings.
The controversial post, which was intended as an "apology," was interpreted by the court as an act of defiance and disrespect, undermining the authority of the judiciary. Justice Nyako held that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions amounted to a clear case of contempt and insisted that her behavior set a dangerous precedent if left unpunished.
As part of the punishment for contempt, Justice Nyako ordered Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a formal and genuine written apology addressed to the court. This apology must be published in two widely circulated national newspapers and also posted on her official Facebook page within a period of seven days from the date of the judgment.
Furthermore, the court imposed a fine of ₦5 million on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as an additional penalty for her actions. The judge clarified that failure to comply with these directives would result in further legal consequences, including the possibility of additional fines or imprisonment as stipulated under the law governing contempt of court.
It is important to note that while the contempt charge was initiated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the court did not grant any substantive orders in his favor beyond addressing the contempt issue. Instead, the focus remained on the senator’s violation of the court’s instructions.
In addition to ruling on the contempt case, the court also delivered its judgment on the related lawsuit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her controversial six-month suspension imposed by the Senate. The judgment on that separate matter further addressed the legality of her suspension and the rights of her constituents to continuous representation in the Senate.
This latest development has sparked various reactions across social media and political circles, with many expressing mixed opinions on the senator’s conduct and the court’s firm stance in upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of judicial orders.