Senator Natasha heads to Appeal Court over N5m contempt fine - Newstrends
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Senator Natasha heads to Appeal Court over N5m contempt fine

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha heads to Appeal Court over N5m contempt fine

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court judgment that found her in contempt and imposed a N5 million fine, describing the penalty as “excessive and punitive.”

In a Notice of Appeal dated July 9 and submitted by her legal counsel, Roland Otaru, SAN, the lawmaker is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the contempt ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako and to nullify the financial sanction.

Justice Nyako had earlier convicted the senator for breaching a court directive that barred all parties from engaging the media on a matter pending before her. The court subsequently ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish public apologies in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days, in addition to the monetary fine.

In response, the senator argues that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try her for contempt committed outside the courtroom—known legally as contempt ex facie curiae—and to impose criminal-like sanctions without following the prescribed procedures under the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act.

According to the appeal, which is based on six legal grounds, the trial court erred in finding the senator guilty of contempt and in awarding a punitive financial penalty.

One of the key arguments raised in the appeal is that Justice Nyako acted beyond her authority by entertaining a motion filed on May 7, 2025, by the Senate President, which alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated the court’s April 4 order through a Facebook post.

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“The proper procedure for contempt committed ex facie curiae is to proceed against the alleged contemnor by the regular procedure of the criminal trial before another judge to ensure that before the contemnor is punished, the charges preferred against him are established beyond a reasonable doubt.“The trial court judge lacks the vires and indeed the jurisdiction to entertain an alleged contempt of its own order committed ex facie curiae,” the appellant submitted.

The senator also contends that her constitutional right to fair hearing was breached, citing procedural irregularities.

In another point of contention, the senator defended a satirical apology she posted on April 27, 2025, arguing it pertained to sexual harassment allegations and not the core subject matter of the court case.

“The question for determination and the reliefs sought in the appellant’s originating summons, when construed holistically, relate squarely to the propriety or otherwise of the referral of the appellant to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, as being ultra vires her constitutional right to fair hearing and the rules of the Senate, leading to her suspension during the pendency of suit.“The sexual harassment allegation was not before the trial court.“The liability as adjudged by the trial judge against the appellant with respect to a subject matter unrelated to the judicial proceedings before her ladyship was erroneous and, indeed, perverse,” she argued.

Further challenging the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated:
“The 3rd respondent’s application for contempt sought inter alia for an order to delete the said satirical apology and an apology to the Judiciary and the 3rd respondent simpliciter.“The 3rd respondent’s application filed on May 7, 2025 did not expressly seek for the payment of fine of N5 million or any amount whatsoever.“The trial judge expressly, in her decision, substituted the 3rd respondent’s reliefs sought with her own order.“The law is settled that the court and indeed the parties are bound by the reliefs sought on the face of the application under reference.“The imposition of fine by a trial court judge is in the realm of criminal sanctions.“The trial judge can only award cost to the successful party as indemnity in a civil proceedings and not to impose criminal sanction in the form of fines payable to the Federal Government of Nigeria.“The decision of the trial judge to substitute 3rd respondent’s reliefs sought with her own orders extraneous to the motion paper for amounts to descending into the arena of conflict which occasioned a miscarriage of justice,” the appellant submitted.

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She is therefore seeking from the appellate court, “An order setting aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, Coram: Binta Nyako J., delivered on July 4, 2025, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 on the following terms:
“An order of the Court of Appeal declaring that the trial court lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain an alleged contempt ex facie curiae involving the imposition of fine which is criminal in nature, against her own orders without compliance with the proper criminal procedure and provision contained in the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act.

“An Order of the Court of Appeal declaring that the trial court lacks the requisite vires and jurisdiction to impose the fine of N5 million which is a criminal sanction in civil proceedings without subjecting the appellant to the proper criminal process requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

“An Order of the Court of Appeal declaring that the appellant’s satirical apology letter addressed to the 3rd respondent dated April 27, 2025 on her Facebook page did not amount to contempt of the orders of the court made on April 4, 2025.

Meanwhile, Justice Nyako in the main suit which was brought by the appellant challenging her suspension from the Senate for six months, had held that the action of the legislators was excessive and robs the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District of effective representations.
The judge accordingly called on the lawmakers to recall the suspended senator to enable her serve the people who voted her into office.

Senator Natasha heads to Appeal Court over N5m contempt fine

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No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

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No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

Firefighters control blazes in Ikorodu and Surulere while clearing major highway obstructions over a busy emergency weekend.

Two separate fires destroyed several shops in Ikorodu and Surulere on Monday, causing significant property loss for local traders. Official reports confirm that while merchandise and equipment worth millions of naira were lost, no one was injured or killed in either incident.

The first incident occurred early Monday morning at Adamo Bus Stop in Ikorodu. Investigators found that faulty electrical wiring sparked on the roof of a salon, allowing flames to spread to two nearby stores.

Emergency teams arrived promptly to extinguish the fire and cool the surrounding structures so the flames would not return. Later that morning, another fire broke out on Olatunde Onimole Street in Surulere, destroying two retail spaces that housed a furniture business and a grocery store.

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Emergency teams also assisted drivers dealing with transit disruptions across the city, including towing disabled trucks off busy roads and aiding passengers after a commercial bus overturned on the Third Mainland Bridge.

LASEMA leadership praised the teamwork of police officers, paramedics, and traffic managers who kept the public safe. State authorities continue to remind shop owners and residents to inspect their electrical systems regularly and keep equipment properly maintained to protect their workplaces.

 

No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

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Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

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Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

At least 13 people have been killed in a fresh wave of violence across Plateau State, with gunmen attacking a commercial bus in Jos South Local Government Area and separate communities in Mangu and Riyom LGAs.

The attacks, which occurred between Saturday and Monday, September 12 and 14, 2026, have heightened fears of renewed reprisal violence in communities already affected by prolonged tensions and recurring clashes.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred at Dungus Kuru T-junction, near Science School in Jos South, where gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus travelling from the Farin Lamba axis towards Jos.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm on Sunday as the vehicle was moving through the area. The assailants opened fire on the bus before fleeing, leaving several passengers dead and others injured.

An initial military account put the death toll at six passengers, comprising five males and one female, while two others sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital.

Troops responding to a distress call subsequently moved into the area and began operations to track down the attackers.

However, subsequent accounts from community sources placed the number of people killed in the bus attack at nine, saying some passengers who initially survived the shooting later died from their injuries.

The Berom Youth Moulders, through its spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, reportedly said one of the victims was a member of Operation Rainbow, a local security initiative operating in Plateau State.

The differing casualty figures could not immediately be reconciled, as security authorities were still working to establish the full circumstances and final toll of the attack.

The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed that attacks had occurred but indicated that investigations were ongoing and that further details would be provided after the facts had been established.

The identities and motive of the attackers remained unknown as of Tuesday, while security agencies continued efforts to locate those responsible.

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The Dungus Kuru bus attack came amid a series of other deadly incidents reported in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, further raising concerns about the possibility of retaliatory attacks.

In Alohom community in Mangu, three young Fulani herders were reportedly killed in an attack.

The victims were identified as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.

Security reports indicated that 36 cattle were also killed, while another 12 sustained gunshot injuries. Two other members of the herding group were initially reported missing.

Troops deployed to the area reportedly recovered the bodies of the three victims.

Members of the affected Fulani community alleged that suspected Mwaghavul militia were responsible for the attack. The allegation, however, had not been independently established by security authorities, and no particular group had been officially identified as responsible.

The violence reportedly continued in Vodni community in Mangu LGA, where suspected attackers killed two people and injured several others.

Reports on the incident also indicated that children were among those affected, with five children reportedly found injured inside a house after troops responding to a distress call arrived in the community.

The injured children were evacuated to Mangu General Hospital for treatment.

Another attack was reported in Tahoos in Riyom Local Government Area, where two people were reportedly killed.

The incidents across Jos South, Mangu and Riyom brought the reported death toll from the fresh violence to at least 13, although community accounts suggested that the figure could be higher.

The latest Plateau violence has renewed concerns about the fragile security situation in the state, particularly in communities where disputes involving farming and herding populations have previously triggered cycles of attacks and reprisals.

The killing of passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle has also raised fresh concerns about the safety of motorists and commuters using roads connecting communities around Jos South and neighbouring local government areas.

Residents fear that the latest killings could lead to retaliatory attacks if security agencies fail to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence.

Security forces operating under Operation Enduring Peace have continued patrols and responses in affected areas, while authorities are expected to intensify surveillance and efforts to apprehend those responsible.

Community leaders and security agencies are also under pressure to prevent the latest incidents from escalating into wider communal violence and to protect residents, farmers, herders and commuters across vulnerable areas.

For now, investigations into the Dungus Kuru attack and the other incidents are continuing, while authorities work to establish the final casualty figures, identify the perpetrators and determine the motives behind the attacks.

Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

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Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

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Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Mrs Ogechi Ofoma, following the alleged brutal physical abuse of her seven-year-old daughter in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The incident was reported to the police on the evening of Sunday, September 13, 2026, after the child was reportedly found with severe bodily injuries in the Awada-Obosi area.

According to the police, security personnel from the Ibollo Community and concerned residents intervened after becoming aware of the alleged abuse. The intervention led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of her mother.

Preliminary findings indicate that the girl suffered serious physical injuries. The police said the injuries were reportedly inflicted with a hot knife, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

The child has been taken under the care and protection of relevant authorities, while the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare is working with the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, to facilitate urgent medical attention and welfare support for the victim.

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The police have commenced an investigation into the incident to determine what led to the alleged abuse and whether any other person was involved.

Mrs Ofoma remains in police custody as investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the case and determine the appropriate legal action.

The intervention by the Ibollo Community security personnel and residents has also drawn attention to the role of communities in protecting children and reporting suspected cases of child abuse.

Cases involving children who suffer physical violence can require intervention from law enforcement, social welfare authorities and other child-protection agencies to ensure the victim’s immediate safety and access to appropriate care.

The Anambra Police Command commended the community members who responded to the situation and helped secure the child’s rescue.

The case comes amid continuing concerns over child abuse in Nigeria, particularly physical violence against children who may be unable to protect themselves or report their experiences.

Authorities are expected to establish the nature and extent of the girl’s injuries, examine available evidence and determine whether additional suspects should be questioned or arrested.

The outcome of the investigation will determine the next legal steps in the case.

Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

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