Akpoti-Uduaghan seeks to overturn the ruling and set aside the fine, arguing the original contempt application did not request any monetary penalty.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has appealed the Federal High Court’s July 4 ruling that found her guilty of contempt and fined her N5 million over a Facebook post.
In a notice of appeal, she argues Justice Binta Nyako lacked jurisdiction to punish alleged contempt “ex facie curiae” for comments made outside the courtroom.
“The proper procedure for contempt committed ex facie curiae is to proceed by regular criminal trial before another judge,” her filing states.
She maintains her satirical apology on Facebook addressed sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—issues unrelated to her main suspension case.
“The sexual harassment allegation was not before the Trial Court,” the appeal adds.
Akpoti-Uduaghan seeks to overturn the ruling and set aside the fine, arguing the original contempt application did not request any monetary penalty.
She accuses Justice Nyako of exceeding reliefs sought, describing the fine as “excessive and punitive.”
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