By John Umeh
In a judgment that has sparked widespread legal and public interest, the High Court on Thursday found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court, marking a significant turn in the long-standing legal battle involving the outspoken politician. The ruling came after weeks of proceedings during which the court reviewed evidence suggesting that Natasha had willfully disobeyed a valid court order.
Justice Ibrahim Danjuma, who delivered the verdict, stated unequivocally that Natasha’s actions constituted a “deliberate defiance of the authority and sanctity of the court.” According to the court, the senator made public statements and took actions that directly contradicted earlier judicial instructions, thereby undermining the court’s integrity and disrupting the course of justice.
The contempt charge stems from a case involving a disputed property and ongoing litigation between Natasha and a private entity in Kogi State. Despite an interim order instructing both parties to maintain the status quo pending the conclusion of the case, Natasha allegedly moved to take control of the property, sparking legal outrage from the other party. In addition to that, several of her social media posts were cited in court, with the prosecution arguing that they were aimed at ridiculing the judiciary and inciting public opinion against the court’s decisions.
Throughout the trial, Natasha maintained her innocence, arguing that she did not intend to disobey any court directive and was merely exercising her right to free speech and lawful political engagement. However, the court ruled that freedom of speech does not extend to violating direct court orders or making derogatory remarks about judicial proceedings that are still active.
“This judgment is not only about Senator Natasha,” Justice Danjuma emphasized. “It is about preserving the rule of law and ensuring that no individual—regardless of their status—is above the law. The court must be respected, and its directives followed without exception.”
The ruling has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters of Natasha view the verdict as politically motivated and argue that she is being targeted for her rising political influence, particularly in Kogi Central. Meanwhile, legal analysts and civil society groups have welcomed the decision as a necessary step in reinforcing judicial authority in Nigeria.
Though the court has yet to hand down sentencing, Natasha could face a range of penalties, including a fine, community service, or even a short custodial sentence depending on the court’s final pronouncement in the coming days. Her legal team has already indicated plans to appeal the judgment.
As reactions continue to pour in from legal experts, political analysts, and rights activists, this ruling is expected to set a precedent on how contempt of court is interpreted and enforced in Nigeria going forward. Whether it leads to a larger political fallout or a personal legal redemption for Senator Natasha remains to be seen.
