Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has promised to strongly defend herself against the Federal Government’s criminal suit.
The suit, which accuses her of defamation, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political battle.
On Friday, her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, confirmed they had formally received the summons at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
The suit was filed on May 16, 2025. It relates to comments Akpoti-Uduaghan made during a live broadcast on Politics Today (Channels Television) on April 3.
Consequently, the charges cite Section 391 of the Penal Code. They allege defamation intended to harm the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Key Witnesses and Government’s Case
The government claims the senator “made imputations knowing or having reason to believe they would harm” Akpabio’s reputation. Moreover, key witnesses include Senate President Akpabio, former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, Maya Iliya, and police officers Abdulhafiz Garba and Maya Iliya.
In a statement Friday evening, Dr. West-Idahosa said:
“At about 2:30 pm, we received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions. It contains three counts alleging our client made harmful imputations against Senate President Akpabio. Therefore, we accepted the filings on her behalf and will prepare all factual and statutory defences for trial.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6. The suspension followed a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements.
She described the suspension as “illegal,” “unjust,” and an attempt to silence her. Furthermore, she rejected claims that the suspension was unrelated to her sexual harassment allegations.
Since then, she has filed multiple petitions. In addition, she has intensified accusations against Akpabio. She alleges he orchestrated her removal from office. Among her most serious claims is that former Governor Yahaya Bello, acting on Akpabio’s orders, planned her assassination. The plot was allegedly designed to look like a mob attack outside Abuja.
As this legal battle unfolds, all eyes remain on the high-profile courtroom showdown between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Federal Government.
