News
Senator Natasha moves to Appeal court over N5m contempt fine
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has filed an appeal at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn a contempt judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.
The ruling, issued on July 4, 2025, found her guilty of contempt ex facie curiae and imposed a fine of N5 million.
Her appeal is based on claims that the judgment was “legally flawed, procedurally defective, and amounted to a miscarriage of justice.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan is requesting that the appellate court set aside the ruling in its entirety.
The case stems from a motion brought before the court by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
At the center of the matter is a Facebook post Akpoti-Uduaghan made on April 27, 2025, which contained satirical remarks and referenced allegations of sexual harassment.
The senator argued that these remarks were “unconnected to the core issues in the substantive matter.”
However, the court interpreted the post as a breach of a restraining order it issued on April 4, 2025, which prohibited public commentary on the ongoing case.
Justice Nyako subsequently found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt and directed her to pay a N5 million fine, as well as publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page.
In her defense, the senator’s legal team comprising Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN; J.S. Okutepa, SAN; Dr. E. West Idahosa, SAN; J.J. Usman, SAN; and M.J. Numa, SAN, argued that the judge had no jurisdiction to issue such a punishment for contempt allegedly committed outside the courtroom.
They stated that “such alleged contempt, being criminal in nature, required a separate trial before another judge and proof beyond reasonable doubt.”
The team further pointed out procedural violations in the handling of the contempt case.
They noted the absence of statutory Forms 48 and 49, which are mandatory under Nigerian law to initiate contempt proceedings. They argued that the failure to serve these forms invalidated the process.
Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers contend that the court exceeded its authority by granting reliefs that were not requested.
“The trial court went beyond the relief sought by the third respondent,” they said, claiming this action amounted to the judge “substituting her own reliefs for those of a party in the case,” thereby “descending into the arena of conflict” and infringing on the senator’s right to a fair hearing.
They emphasized that “no part of the original application sought a monetary sanction,” describing the N5 million fine as “excessive and punitive,” particularly given that Akpoti-Uduaghan denied any intent to defy the court.
In the appeal, marked CA/A/2025, which arises from the original suit FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, the senator is challenging her referral to the Senate Committee and her subsequent suspension.
She is urging the appellate court to declare the entire contempt proceeding null and void and to rule that her Facebook post did not constitute contempt.
She is also asking the court to affirm that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to impose the punitive orders in the manner it did.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen are named as respondents in the case.
As at the time of this report, no hearing date has been scheduled.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.
“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.
The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.
Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.
Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).
Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.
Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.
About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.
An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.
According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)
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