A Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, has clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is required to apologize to the court, not to the Senate, as a condition for purging herself of contempt.
Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling in Abuja had found the Kogi Central lawmaker guilty of contempt due to a comment she posted on her Facebook page, which violated an existing court order.
Consequently, she was fined ₦5 million and ordered to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
Read Also: Senate Removes Natasha As Diaspora Committee Chairman, Names Replacement
Contrary to statements attributed to Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the court’s decision did not mandate an apology to the Senate as a prerequisite for her recall.
The CTC, signed by court officials Kanu Ngozi and Ifeanacho Amarachi, explicitly states:
“An order is hereby made for the Plaintiff to pay a fine in the sum of ₦5 million to the Federal Government Treasury and to publish a public apology to the court in two (2) national dailies and on her Facebook page within 7 days of today to purge herself of the contempt.”
The judgment also directed the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to her legislative seat, declaring her suspension unlawful.
The senator has since filed an appeal against the ruling, asserting that the court lacked the authority to punish her for statements made outside its proceedings, and is seeking to overturn the entire judgment.
This clarification from the CTC is expected to significantly influence the ongoing standoff between the senator and the upper legislative chamber, especially concerning her return to legislative duties and any potential future disciplinary actions.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
