By Amanabo Ocholi
The Federal Government has instituted legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, over allegedly defamatory remarks she made during a live television appearance.
The lawsuit, filed under suit number CR/297/25, was entered before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on May 16, 2025, listing Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
According to court documents obtained by The Bureau Newspaper, the Federal Government accused the senator of making statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation would harm the reputation of a person,” citing Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same legal framework.
Prominent political figures are expected to testify in the case, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who are also listed as nominal complainants. Other witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two police investigators, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
The crux of the suit lies in remarks allegedly made by the senator on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, broadcast on April 3, 2025. The comments are said to have defamed high-ranking officials, prompting legal redress.
This development comes amid heightened political tension following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6, which the Senate described as a disciplinary action for “gross misconduct” tied to a dispute over seating arrangements. However, the senator vehemently rejected the claim, describing her suspension as illegal and politically motivated, linking it to her earlier sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President.
Since then, the embattled lawmaker has filed multiple petitions against Akpabio and other political figures, alleging persecution and attempts to undermine her legislative role. In a counter move, Akpabio in April petitioned Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, urging an investigation and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged criminal defamation, incitement, false accusations, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi governor, also petitioned the IGP, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of spreading false claims that he had funded a plot to recall her from the Senate and allegedly conspired to have her assassinated under the guise of a staged attack outside Abuja, purportedly acting on Akpabio’s directives.
As the court proceedings unfold, the political and legal implications are expected to reverberate through both Kogi State and the National Assembly, further intensifying a saga that has gripped national attention.
