- In her appeal dated July 9, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that the contempt was allegedly committed outside the courtroom (ex facie curiae) and, therefore, the trial court lacked jurisdiction.
- She claimed due criminal procedure was not followed and that another judge should have handled the matter.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that found her guilty of contempt and fined her ₦5 million.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, also ordered the senator to issue public apologies in national newspapers and on Facebook for allegedly violating a court order by discussing a case online.
In her appeal dated July 9, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that the contempt was allegedly committed outside the courtroom (ex facie curiae) and, therefore, the trial court lacked jurisdiction. She claimed due criminal procedure was not followed and that another judge should have handled the matter.
The senator also said her April 27 Facebook post — a satirical apology unrelated to the case — shouldn’t be considered contempt, and accused the judge of breaching her right to a fair hearing.
She is seeking to overturn the ruling and have the contempt charge and fine dismissed entirely.
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