Senator Natasha Wins Suspension Appeal, But Faces N5M Fine for "Satirical Apology"
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, scored a significant legal triumph on Friday as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her immediate recall to the Senate from a controversial six-month suspension. However, the victory comes with a hefty price tag: a N5 million fine for contempt of court over a "satirical apology" she posted on social media.
Justice Binta Nyako, in a landmark judgment, declared the Senate's prolonged suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as "excessive, unconstitutional, and unlawful." The judge sternly noted that such a lengthy disciplinary action unjustly deprived the constituents of Kogi Central of their vital representation in the National Assembly. Justice Nyako highlighted that the Senate had overstepped its bounds by relying on its Standing Orders and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, neither of which specifies a maximum period for suspension.
Court Imposes Conditions for Social Media 'Contempt'
Despite her primary win against the Senate, the court found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of civil contempt for a Facebook post dated April 27, 2025. This "satirical apology" was deemed to have violated a prior court order prohibiting all parties from making public comments on the ongoing legal dispute.
Consequently, Justice Nyako ordered the Senator to:
Pay a N5 million fine.
Publish an unreserved apology to the court in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
The Senate has quickly reacted, stating that while it respects the court's decision to nullify the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's reinstatement is conditional upon her fulfilling these directives. A Senate spokesperson indicated that once the Senator "purges herself of contempt" by meeting these conditions, the Senate would then "sit again and consider the content of that restitution" to determine their next course of action.
Legal Battle's Origins
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's legal challenge stemmed from her six-month suspension initiated in March. This disciplinary action followed an alleged altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning her assigned seat during a plenary session, which the Senate cited as misconduct.
While the court sided with the Senator on the excessive nature of her suspension, it did rule in favor of Senate President Akpabio on a separate point. Justice Nyako affirmed Akpabio's right to deny Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during plenary, given that she was not in her designated seat at the time—a requirement for addressing the chamber.
This verdict is being hailed by legal experts and democracy advocates as a crucial step towards curbing the arbitrary use of power within the National Assembly. It sends a clear message that legislative rules must adhere to the constitution and cannot be wielded to unduly silence elected representatives.
