Abuja: The Federal High Court in Abuja: has instructed the Senate to reinstate Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, to her legislative position. The court deemed her six-month suspension as ‘excessive.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgment, also imposed a fine of N5 million on Akpoti-Uduaghan. The fine was for her ‘Satirical Apology’ message, which she posted on Facebook on April 27, violating a valid court order. Justice Nyako further mandated that Akpoti-Uduaghan must issue an unreserved apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days. This step is necessary for her to clear the contempt charge against the court.
The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, was initiated by Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 3. She filed it against the clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Additionally, the suit sought to prevent these parties from sanctioning her for alleged misconduct. Sen. Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Public Petitions, and Privileges, was also named in the suit.