Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, appeared at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday for her arraignment on defamation charges filed by the Federal Government.
She entered the courtroom around 10:30 a.m., ahead of the scheduled 11:00 a.m. session, where she will be tried as the sole defendant in a criminal suit marked CR/297/25.
What Are the Charges?
The charge, filed by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory statements about:
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello
These statements were allegedly made during a live appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on April 3, 2025, as well as in a telephone conversation with a third party in late March.
What Did She Allegedly Say?
According to the charge sheet, Akpoti-Uduaghan made multiple claims including:
- Assassination Plot Allegation: “Let’s ask the Senate President why in the first instance did he withdraw my security… He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”
- Conspiracy Between Akpabio and Bello: “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night, to eliminate me.”
- Organ Harvesting Allegation (via phone conversation on March 27, 2025): “That girl that was killed, what’s her name, umm Imoren Iniubong, her organs were actually used for the wife [Akpabio’s wife] because the wife was really ill.”
The Federal Government alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan either knew or should have known that these imputations would damage the reputation of the individuals involved.
Who’s Involved?
The nominal complainants listed in the charge are:
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello
They are joined by four other witnesses, who are expected to testify in court during the trial.
Why This Matters
This case highlights:
- The rising tensions within Nigeria’s political elite
- The increasing legal use of criminal defamation laws against public figures
- Ongoing concerns over freedom of expression, especially for politicians and journalists
It also comes amid political drama in Kogi State, where Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a vocal critic of former Governor Bello.
What’s Next?
The court is expected to proceed with:
- Formal arraignment of the senator
- Review of witness testimony and evidence
- Determination of whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks amount to criminal defamation
