Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been found guilty of contempt of court and fined N5 million by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Kogi Central lawmaker was found to have violated an earlier order of the court restraining all parties from making comments on her suspension from the Senate.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who delivered the ruling on Friday, also directed that the N5 million fine be paid to the Senate and that Natasha should tender a formal apology to the court. The judge ordered that the apology be published on her Facebook page and in two national dailies within seven days.
The contempt charge was based on a satirical apology Natasha posted on social media in April, mocking the court’s directive.
In the post addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Natasha wrote:
“It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence.”
The court had on April 4, issued an order restraining all parties from making public statements pending the determination of suits relating to her suspension.
Justice Nwite said Natasha’s post was “clearly sarcastic, provocative and meant to ridicule the sanctity of the court.”
He added: “I hereby find the respondent in contempt of court. She is to pay a fine of N5 million and publish a formal apology within seven days.”
Despite the contempt ruling, Justice Nwite, in a separate judgment the same day, ordered Natasha’s reinstatement to the Senate, describing her six-month suspension as excessive.
He said: “The suspension of the applicant for a period of over six months is a breach of her constituents’ rights.”
Natasha was suspended on March 12, following a chaotic session in the Senate where she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpabio denied the allegation.
The Senate subsequently referred her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which recommended her suspension over what it described as “unparliamentary conduct.”
The lawmaker challenged her suspension in court, describing it as politically motivated and unjust.
She also filed contempt proceedings against Akpabio and the Senate, accusing them of defying the court’s interim order. The Senate, in response, filed a separate contempt charge over her Facebook post.
Natasha, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election in February 2023, defeating Abubakar Ohere of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She was sworn into the 10th Senate in November 2023 following a court ruling.
