The Federal Government has filed a criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, over statements she made during a live television appearance in April.
Filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the case is numbered CR/297/25 and lists Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant. The charge falls under Section 391 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 392.
The government alleges that the senator made defamatory imputations “knowing or having reason to believe” that they would damage the reputation of certain individuals.
Prominent figures named in the case include Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who are listed as nominal complainants and are expected to testify. Other witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two police investigators, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
The allegations stem from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025. During the program, she made a series of accusations which, according to the court filings, prompted petitions from both Akpabio and Bello to the Inspector-General of Police.
This legal action follows a period of heightened tensions between the senator and Senate leadership. On March 6, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate over what was termed “gross misconduct,” linked to a seating row involving Senate President Akpabio. She has since described the suspension as politically motivated and unlawful.
In the weeks following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed multiple petitions accusing Akpabio and Bello of a coordinated effort to silence and harm her. Notably, she alleged that both men plotted to assassinate her and make the attack appear like a mob action.
Akpabio and Bello have strongly denied the claims and, in their petitions to the police, accused the senator of criminal defamation, incitement, false allegations, and actions capable of disturbing public peace.
The case is expected to attract significant public interest as it unfolds in the coming weeks.
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