Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that found her guilty of contempt and imposed a ₦5 million fine, alongside an order to issue a public apology.
In a notice of appeal dated July 9, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer Roland Otaru, is seeking to overturn Justice Binta Nyako’s July 4 judgment. The ruling had found the senator guilty of disobeying a court order which barred public commentary on an ongoing case.
Grounds of Appeal
Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court, arguing that the alleged contempt — a Facebook post dated April 27 — occurred outside the courtroom (ex facie curiae) and therefore required a separate criminal proceeding before a different judge.
She also accused the trial judge of violating her right to fair hearing by not following the procedures outlined in the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, which governs contempt cases in Nigeria.
According to the appeal:
“The proper procedure for contempt committed ex facie curiae is to proceed against the alleged contemnor by the regular procedure of criminal trial before another judge.”
Facebook Post Controversy
The senator claimed that her satirical apology, published on April 27, was directed to the Senate President concerning a sexual harassment allegation, which she said was unrelated to the matter before Justice Nyako.
She emphasized that:
“The sexual harassment allegation was not before the trial court… the statement did not amount to contempt as it was unrelated to the pending suit.”
Reliefs Sought
Akpoti-Uduaghan is requesting the Court of Appeal to:
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Set aside the ₦5 million fine,
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Nullify the order compelling a public apology in two national dailies and her Facebook page,
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Declare that her social media post does not constitute contempt of the court’s April 4 orders.
She further faulted the trial court for granting punitive reliefs not sought by the third respondent, arguing it amounted to judicial overreach.
“The court and the parties are bound by the reliefs sought… The judge descended into the arena of conflict, causing a miscarriage of justice.”
The appeal, grounded on six points of law, is part of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bid to clear her name and restore her public standing.
