The Federal Government has instituted criminal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, over alleged defamatory statements made during a live television broadcast. The suit, filed on May 16, 2025, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, lists the Kogi Lawmaker as the sole defendant.
The charges stem from remarks made by Senator Natasha during a live interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program. She alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to assassinate her. Specifically, she claimed that Akpabio withdrew her security detail to make her vulnerable to attacks, emphasizing that she should be “killed in Kogi.”
Additionally, the senator is accused of making further defamatory statements during a telephone conversation on March 27, 2025, alleging that organs from the murdered Iniubong Umoren were used for a transplant for Akpabio’s ailing wife.
The Federal Government contends that these statements constitute criminal defamation under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The charges assert that Akpoti-Uduaghan made these imputations knowing, or having reason to believe, that they would harm the reputations of the individuals involved.
The prosecution’s witness list includes Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello, both of whom are expected to testify during the trial. Their testimonies are anticipated to be pivotal in substantiating the government’s claims against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The case is poised to be a significant legal battle, drawing national attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the serious nature of the allegations. There was no date fixed for arraignment as at the time of this publication.
