The Federal Government has filed a criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, over statements she allegedly made during a live television interview.
The case, filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court (Case No: CR/297/25), accuses Senator Akpoti of knowingly making imputations that could harm the reputation of others. The charge falls under Section 391 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 392.
High-Profile Witnesses Listed
Court documents show that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello will testify as key witnesses and are also listed as nominal complainants. Additional witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two police investigators—Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
The allegations are tied to comments made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live broadcast of Channels TV’s “Politics Today” on April 3, 2025.
Background of the Political Tensions
This legal battle follows a wave of tension between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate leadership. On March 6, she was suspended from the Senate over what was described as gross misconduct, stemming from a seating dispute involving Akpabio.
The senator has since called the suspension illegal and politically motivated, linking it to her past allegations of sexual harassment within the Senate.
Grave Allegations and Political Fallout
In the aftermath of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted multiple petitions, including claims that Akpabio conspired to assassinate her, and alleged that Yahaya Bello coordinated a recall campaign under Akpabio’s directives. She claims the plan was to stage her assassination as a mob attack in Abuja.
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Both Akpabio and Bello responded by filing petitions with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting a full investigation and criminal prosecution of Akpoti for defamation, incitement, false allegations, and actions threatening public peace.
Stay tuned to Naija Blog Daily for exclusive updates on this explosive political case.
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