The Federal High Court in Abuja has found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for publishing a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio despite a court order.
Justice Binta Nyako ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions made a mockery of the court’s gag order and ordered her to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days.
The court also imposed a fine of N5 million on the senator, stressing that her contempt was in a civil proceeding.
The court’s decision follows a contempt action initiated by Akpabio, although the court declined to issue any order in his favor.
The case relates to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension by the Senate, which she has challenged in court.
The court is set to deliver its judgment on the suit soon.