Nigeria Federal High Court Orders Senate to Recall Natasha Akpoti, But Fines Her ₦5 Million for Contempt

 

A Federal High Court in Nigeria has ruled that the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate is excessive and has ordered the Senate to recall her.

Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the suspension violated the rights of Kogi Central constituents.

While granting her relief against the Senate, the judge also fined Natasha ₦5 million for contempt due to a satirical Facebook post, requiring public apologies in print and online.

See also: Nigeria Mourns Super Eagles Legend Peter Rufai, 1994 AFCON Champion and World Cup Star, Dead at 61 After Illness

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension stemmed from her alleged misconduct and refusal to occupy her reassigned seat during a February plenary session. 

Though the court sided with her on the matter of representation, it also ruled she violated an earlier gag order by mocking the Senate online. 

In addition to the fine, she must apologise publicly in two national dailies and on Facebook within seven and two days, respectively.