By John Umeh
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has formally filed an appeal against a ₦5 million contempt sanction imposed on her by a Federal High Court, insisting that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to issue such an order.
The contentious ruling, delivered earlier this month, found the senator guilty of contempt over comments allegedly made in relation to an ongoing electoral dispute. The court had imposed the hefty fine as a penalty, citing perceived interference with judicial proceedings. However, Senator Akpoti maintains that the ruling was procedurally flawed and a violation of her constitutional rights.
In a notice of appeal filed through her legal team, Akpoti argued that the contempt charge was baseless and that the trial court acted beyond its powers. She also emphasized that she was not given a fair hearing before the fine was slammed on her.
“The trial court’s decision to impose a ₦5 million fine without proper legal grounding or procedural fairness cannot stand,” her counsel stated. “Our client was denied the opportunity to defend herself adequately. We are confident that the appellate court will set aside this gross miscarriage of justice.”
The case stems from a controversial election petition involving Senator Akpoti and her opponent, during which remarks allegedly attributed to her were interpreted by the court as an attempt to influence or undermine the integrity of the judiciary. Akpoti has strongly denied making any statement that could be deemed prejudicial, insisting that her comments were misrepresented or taken out of context.
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, with some questioning the speed and severity of the contempt ruling. “Contempt should never be used as a tool to silence legitimate political expression or to penalize individuals without clear evidence of obstruction,” one Abuja-based constitutional lawyer said.
The appeal is now before the Court of Appeal, and the case is expected to test the boundaries of judicial discretion in contempt matters, especially involving public officeholders. Senator Akpoti’s legal team is seeking not only to overturn the fine but also to clarify what they describe as “vague and arbitrary standards” in determining contempt in Nigeria’s legal system.
In the meantime, the senator has vowed to continue performing her legislative duties undeterred by what she describes as “politically motivated distractions.”
As the case proceeds, it remains a focal point in the ongoing conversation about judicial transparency, political speech, and the proper application of contempt powers in Nigerian courts.
