•Orderd for apologies, payment of N5m fine
A Federal High Court in Abuja has found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court.
The court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Muhammed Umar, stems from her ongoing legal battle with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
As part of her punishment, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been ordered to tender an apology to the court, which will be published in two national dailies and on her Facebook page.
The senator is also required to pay a fine of N5 million to the federal government within seven days of the ruling.
This development comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of making defamatory statements against Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who are listed as star witnesses in the case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly linked Akpabio and Bello to an assassination plot during a television appearance.
The court’s decision has significant implications for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has since been maintained a strong public presence throughout her legal battles.
Her trial for alleged cybercrime is set to commence on September 22, 2025.
The senator has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail on self-recognition.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal troubles began after she made statements on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program, prompting Akpabio and Bello to seek legal action against her.
