Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a motion for a stay of execution and a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, contesting a July 4, 2025, Federal High Court ruling that found her guilty of contempt of court.
The ruling, delivered by Honourable Justice Binta Nyako under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, imposed a fine of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) and mandated a public apology in two national newspapers and on social media. The contempt finding related to a satirical apology the senator posted on her Facebook page on April 27, 2025, which the court held violated an earlier injunction restraining media discussions about the case.
The appeal, filed on July 9, 2025, names the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as respondents. The motion for a stay of execution, filed on July 10, 2025, seeks to halt enforcement of the fine and apology pending the appeal outcome, citing irreparable harm to the senator’s legislative role, political career, and public image.
Represented by a formidable legal team led by Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, Michael Jonathon Numa, SAN, Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, Dr. E. West Idahosa, SAN, and J.I. Usman, SAN, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and failed to follow proper procedure under the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, specifically the non-compliance with Forms 48 and 49 required for contempt proceedings conducted outside the court (contempt ex facie curiae).
The appeal further contends that the satirical apology, which addressed allegations of sexual harassment, was unrelated to the substantive suit regarding the propriety of her referral to the Senate Committee and suspension. It asserts that the fine imposed is a criminal sanction administered without adherence to criminal procedure, thus violating her right to a fair hearing, and that the penalty is excessive and punitive.
The legal team stresses that granting the stay of execution will preserve the status quo without prejudice to the respondents, while refusal may render the appeal ineffective and cause disproportionate harm. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has undertaken to pay damages if the motion is found frivolous and has begun compiling the Record of Appeal.
“This appeal is a critical step to uphold Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional rights and ensure judicial fairness,” said Michael Jonathon Numa, SAN. “The trial court’s ruling oversteps its authority and misapplies the law, necessitating a thorough review by the Court of Appeal.”