Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a motion for a stay of execution and a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging a Federal High Court ruling delivered on July 4, 2025, which found her guilty of contempt of court.
The ruling, issued by Honourable Justice Binta Nyako in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, imposed a fine of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) and ordered a public apology to be published in two national newspapers and on social media. The contempt charge stemmed from a satirical apology posted by the senator on her Facebook page on April 27, 2025, which the court determined violated an earlier injunction barring media discussions about the case.
Filed on July 9, 2025, the appeal 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. A corresponding motion for a stay of execution was filed on July 10, 2025, seeking to suspend enforcement of the penalty pending the outcome of the appeal. The motion argues that enforcement would cause irreparable harm to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative duties, political career, and public image.
Represented by a high-profile 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, the senator contends that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and failed to adhere to required procedures under the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act. Specifically, the team cites non-compliance with Forms 48 and 49, which are mandatory for contempt proceedings conducted outside the courtroom (contempt ex facie curiae).
The appeal further argues that the satirical apology, which addressed allegations of sexual harassment, was unrelated to the core issue of the senator’s referral to the Senate Committee and her suspension. It asserts that the N5 million fine constitutes a criminal penalty imposed without due criminal procedure, thereby infringing on her right to a fair hearing. The legal team also maintains that the fine is excessive and punitive.
Emphasizing the importance of judicial restraint, the team insists that granting the stay of execution would maintain the status quo without harming the respondents, while denying it could render the appeal meaningless and cause disproportionate harm. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has pledged to pay damages if the motion is ultimately deemed frivolous and has commenced the process of 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.”
