Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fined ₦5 Million for Civil Contempt Over Akpabio Remarks

Natasha Ordered to Apologise Publicly in National Newspapers and on Facebook. 

 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has been found in civil contempt of court and fined ₦5 million, following her recent remarks against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which the court ruled were in violation of an existing restraining order.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the sanction stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s continued public accusations against Akpabio concerning alleged sexual harassment, despite a prior judicial directive restricting such statements. The court described her conduct as a direct challenge to its authority and legal process.

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Court Orders Public Apology Within Seven Days

As part of the judgment delivered in Abuja, the court ordered Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to:

• Issue a full retraction and public apology in two national newspapers: The Guardian and The Punch.
• Publish the same apology on her verified Facebook page.
• Ensure compliance within seven (7) days of the ruling.

Failure to meet these requirements, the court warned, could result in further legal consequences, including possible enforcement proceedings or additional penalties.

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Background: Suspension and Previous Allegations

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate in March 2025 for alleged misconduct following a heated confrontation with Akpabio during a closed-door session.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the suspension stemmed from a broader controversy in which the senator accused the Senate president of sexual harassment and alleged abuse of office—claims Akpabio has denied and which the Senate has not officially substantiated.

In a prior court ruling earlier this month, Akpoti-Uduaghan was ordered to retract the accusations and refrain from further comments pending the outcome of legal review. Her noncompliance with that directive has now led to the contempt charge and financial penalty.

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Legal Experts Comment on Implications

Legal practitioners view the ruling as a significant step in enforcing judicial orders involving political officeholders.

Speaking with TJ News Nigeria, constitutional lawyer Barr. Abdul-Azeez Omisore noted:

 

“The court’s decision sends a clear message that elected officials are not above the law, especially in matters involving judicial restraining orders and defamation.”

 

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What Happens Next

If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan complies with the court’s directives, the contempt proceedings may be considered resolved. However, failure to publish the apology in the specified media outlets and within the timeframe could lead to:

• Enforcement of the ₦5 million fine via garnishee or asset seizure.
• Potential escalation to criminal contempt charges.
• Further sanctions from the Senate Ethics Committee.

As of press time, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s official Facebook page had not yet featured the mandated apology, and her media aides have not issued any public statement.