Court Fines Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦5m for Contempt, Orders Public Apology

Court Fines Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦5m for Contempt, Orders Public Apology

Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been found guilty of contempt by a Federal High Court in Abuja and fined ₦5 million, following a breach of a court order restraining public commentary on an ongoing case.

Justice Binta Nyanko, who delivered the ruling on Friday, held that the former senator violated the court’s April 4 order by publishing a satirical letter on her Facebook page on April 27, while the order was still in effect.

According to the judge, the offence amounted to civil contempt, and while it does not carry a prison term, a financial penalty and a public apology were deemed appropriate.

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The court ruled:

“Since Natasha is found guilty of contempt in a civil case, thereby making it a civil contempt, she would not be sent to prison but made to pay a fine and make public apology to the court.”

Justice Nyanko ordered her to pay ₦5 million into the coffers of the Federal Government and to publish a public apology in two national newspapers as well as on her Facebook page within seven days.

Further details are expected as the case develops.