Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Convicted of Contempt, Fined ₦5 Million by Abuja High Court

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for contempt of court, following a satirical social media post that violated a standing gag order.

Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the case, ruled that the senator’s Facebook post dated April 7 was a mockery of the court’s previous directive, especially as it related to her controversial apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In her judgment, the judge ordered Senator Natasha to issue a formal public apology in two national newspapers and on her verified Facebook page within seven days. She was also fined ₦5 million.

The contempt proceedings were initiated by Senator Akpabio, although the court’s ruling was limited to the contempt charge and did not extend further in his favor.

This development comes just weeks after another ruling involving the embattled lawmaker. On June 19, Justice Chizoba Orji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) granted Senator Natasha bail in the sum of ₦50 million.

The court found no sufficient grounds to deny bail, noting the senator’s willingness to face trial. The bail conditions include one surety of reputable character who owns a verifiable property within Abuja.

The case, which stems from allegations that Senator Natasha falsely accused Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her, has been adjourned until September 23 for full trial.

The court also rejected a request for her remand in prison pending the outcome of the trial, reaffirming the principle of presumption of innocence.

Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, has remained a vocal political figure and continues to garner significant public attention both online and offline.