The Federal High Court in Abuja has found suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, guilty of contempt of court for violating a standing court order through a satirical post on social media.
Delivering judgment on Friday, July 4, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the embattled senator disobeyed the court when she published a satirical apology on her Facebook page on April 7, mocking Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Nyako stated that ... breached an earlier court order restraining all parties from making public statements or publications related to the matter. As a result, the court ordered Senator Natasha to:
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Publish a public apology in two national newspapers and again on her Facebook page within seven days
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Pay a fine of ₦5 million, as the contempt was committed during civil proceedings
However, the court declined to grant further reliefs sought by Senate President Akpabio, who had filed the contempt action.
Separate Criminal Defamation Case Looms
In addition to the contempt ruling, Senator Natasha is also facing a criminal defamation suit filed by the Federal Government. The case, registered as Suit No. CR/297/25, accuses her of making defamatory statements involving an alleged assassination plot against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The suit was filed by the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPPF) under the Federal Ministry of Justice on May 16, 2025. She is being prosecuted under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, which criminalizes statements that damage the reputation of others.
According to the court documents, both Akpabio and Bello have been listed as nominal complainants and are expected to testify as witnesses during the proceedings.
Oby Ezekwesili Alleges Political Targeting
During a hearing held on Thursday, June 19, former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, who was present in court, accused the federal government of attempting to use the judiciary to jail Senator Natasha for political reasons.
Ezekwesili revealed that although government lawyers asked the court to deny bail and send the senator to prison, the court instead granted bail to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, allowing her to remain free pending further hearings.
Background: Senate Suspension and Political Fallout
Senator Natasha was previously suspended by the Senate for allegedly violating the chamber’s standing orders. The suspension and subsequent legal actions have fueled ongoing debates about freedom of expression, due process, and the political persecution of opposition voices.
As legal proceedings continue on multiple fronts, Natasha maintains her innocence and has received support from various civil society advocates who argue that her prosecution is politically motivated.