Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has expressed her determination to vigorously contest the Federal Government’s criminal defamation lawsuit filed against her, pledging to present a defense grounded in facts and law.
The case, marked CR/297/25, was filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. It stems from allegations that the senator made defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025. The prosecution contends that her comments breached Section 391 of the Penal Code, which addresses making statements with the intent or knowledge that they could harm another person’s reputation.
Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, has confirmed receipt of the court summons and assured the public that they will present a robust legal defense. Among the prosecution’s witnesses are several high-profile individuals, including Senate President Akpabio, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two investigating police officers, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
This legal development follows a series of recent controversies involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. On March 6, 2025, she was suspended from the Senate following a clash with Akpabio over seating arrangements. In the wake of her suspension, she accused Akpabio and Bello of orchestrating a plot to assassinate her, subsequently petitioning both the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation to investigate the alleged threat.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has reiterated their commitment to mounting a comprehensive and compelling defense, setting the stage for a potentially high-stakes legal confrontation at the heart of Nigeria’s political landscape.
