Get Guardian on GoogleA 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 tender an apology to the court—not to the Senate—as a condition for purging herself of contempt.
The ruling by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja found the Kogi Central lawmaker guilty of contempt over a comment made on her Facebook page, in violation of an existing court order.
She was fined ₦5 million and directed to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
Contrary to statements credited to the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, 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, reads in part:
“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 ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to her legislative seat, stating clearly that her suspension was unlawful.
The senator has since filed an appeal against the ruling, arguing that the court lacked the authority to punish her for statements made outside its proceedings. She is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the entire judgment.
The clarification provided by the CTC is expected to shape the next steps in the standoff between the senator and the upper chamber, particularly regarding her return to plenary and any further disciplinary action.
