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Facebook Fury: Senator Natasha Appeals ₦5m Court Fine, Declares War on Contempt Ruling

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has lodged a six-ground appeal at the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the ₦5 million fine imposed on her by the Federal High Court for a satirical Facebook post made during the pendency of a case involving her.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, the appeal—filed on July 9 through her lead counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN)—comes in response to Justice Binta Nyako’s recent ruling, which found her guilty of civil contempt. The court had described her social media post as “disrespectful” and “prejudicial” to ongoing judicial proceedings.

The controversial post, though satirical in tone, was published while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was locked in a legal battle over her suspension from the Senate. While the court refrained from sentencing her to prison, it ruled that the post amounted to civil contempt and ordered her to pay a ₦5 million fine to the Federal Government Treasury and issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.

Notably, while punishing the lawmaker for contempt, Justice Nyako also ruled in her favour on the main issue—declaring her suspension by the Senate unlawful. The court held that suspending a senator for six months effectively strips an entire constituency of representation for a full legislative year, and ordered her immediate reinstatement.

Appeal Disputes Contempt Ruling

In her six-point appeal, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan contests both the basis and process of the contempt judgment. A central argument in her appeal is that the Facebook post in question had no direct connection to the legal dispute before the court, as it was focused on sexual harassment issues rather than her Senate suspension.

She contends that the trial court erred in treating the matter as civil contempt while imposing a fine akin to a criminal sanction without adhering to the required standards of criminal procedure—such as proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The senator further asserts that her right to fair hearing was violated and that the court failed to follow the procedures stipulated in the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act for initiating contempt proceedings.

In the notice of appeal, her legal team argued that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on contempt that occurred outside the courtroom (contempt ex facie curiae), and had no authority to impose a fine payable to the federal government in a civil matter.

Calling the ₦5 million fine “punitive and disproportionate,” Akpoti-Uduaghan is urging the appellate court to:

  • Set aside Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling,

  • Declare the lower court’s contempt proceedings as unlawful,

  • Affirm that criminal procedure is required in such cases, and

  • Quash both the financial penalty and the apology directive.

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How I Deposited Billions In Cash For Emefiele, Witness Reveals

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In the ongoing ₦7.8 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness has provided testimony regarding massive cash deposits made on his behalf.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key points from the testimony of the third prosecution witness, Richard Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, include:

  • Cash Deposits: Agulu testified that he deposited billions of naira in cash on behalf of the former CBN chief, with the funds delivered to him by Emefiele’s former personal assistant, Eric Ocheme.

  • Account Handling: According to the witness, the money was either deposited into accounts for Kelvito Integrated Services and Ifeabigo Integrated Services or placed in the bank’s vault, following instructions allegedly relayed through Ocheme.

  • Banking Procedures: Despite the large sums, Agulu maintained that he followed standard banking procedures, noting that some clients were granted verbal waivers by senior officials to deposit large amounts of cash.

  • Refusal to Name Officials: When asked to identify the senior bank officials who provided these verbal waivers, Agulu declined to provide names to avoid getting anyone in trouble.

  • Additional Transactions: Agulu also testified that he supervised a transfer of ₦1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on eight counts, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful possession of properties allegedly linked to proceeds of crime; Emefiele has entered a plea of not guilty. Eric Ocheme, who was named in the charges, is reported to be at large. Justice Yusuf Halilu has adjourned the trial for continuation on November 3, 4, and 5, 2026.

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“From Political Firebrand To Top Diplomat: Fani-Kayode’s Strategic Southern African Move!”

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Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his Letters of Credence for his role as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Fani-Kayode announced the news on Tuesday, noting that the appointment followed the approval of the required agrément.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Letters of Credence were presented to him on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. Fani-Kayode stated that he is preparing to report to Pretoria to present his letters to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and begin his diplomatic duties. Reflecting on his appointment, the former minister—who served in the aviation sector two decades ago—expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him and requested prayers for his success in this new role.

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“I’ll Kill For Her!” Kunle Fawole Drops Shocking Bombshell About Ex-Flame Yvonne Jegede!.

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Nollywood actor Kunle Abounce Fawole recently opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, Yvonne Jegede, in an interview with Chude Jideonwu. While confirming that he no longer holds romantic feelings for her, Fawole emphasized that he maintains a deep sense of responsibility and respect for her as the mother of his son. He expressed a desire to avoid enmity, noting that he would never turn his back on someone he once cared for, and firmly declared his willingness to protect her from harm at all costs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwu, Kunle Abounce Fawole reflected on his past marriage to Yvonne Jegede. When asked about his current feelings, the actor clarified that while the romantic spark is gone, his protective instincts remain strong. Fawole shared that he prefers to take the blame for past relationship struggles to avoid bitterness, stating that he refuses to harbor grudges. Ultimately, he underscored his commitment to her safety, asserting that he would go to extreme lengths—even potentially resorting to violence—to defend the mother of his child.

Option 3: Short & Punchy

Kunle Abounce Fawole has made it clear that while his romantic chapter with ex-wife Yvonne Jegede is closed, his dedication to her protection is unwavering. During a recent interview, the actor revealed he has no room for bitterness toward past partners. Though he no longer loves her romantically, he stressed that his status as the father of her son drives him to act as her fiercest defender, even going so far as to say he would “kill” for her if she were ever threatened.

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