Abuja, Nigeria – June 18, 2025 — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was on Wednesday arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on a three-count charge of alleged defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million.
The charges, filed by the Federal Government through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, stem from statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview on Channels TV and a private phone call earlier this year. Prosecutors allege that the senator falsely accused Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her, an attack she claimed was disguised as a local mob incident.
According to the prosecution, the claims were defamatory and knowingly intended to harm the reputations of the two high-profile politicians. The case is being prosecuted under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code.
Security was tightened at the court premises as the politically sensitive trial commenced. Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared in court at about 10:30 a.m., following the court’s approval of a substituted service of summons on June 16. A previous request for a warrant of arrest was denied due to improper service.
This latest legal confrontation adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Senate President Akpabio, who has faced numerous allegations since assuming office.
Earlier in 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and claimed her suspension from the Senate was in retaliation. Akpabio denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Further controversy erupted when UK-based activist Dr. Sandra Duru linked Akpabio to an alleged organ trafficking ring, referencing the 2021 murder of Iniubong Umoren. The Umoren family dismissed the claims, and no official investigation has substantiated them. Dr. Duru is now listed as a potential witness in the defamation case.
Akpabio has also been named in various electoral fraud and bribery allegations, including claims related to the recent emergency declaration in Rivers State—all of which he has denied.
While supporters describe the allegations as coordinated attempts to undermine Akpabio’s leadership, critics point to what they call a troubling pattern of misconduct.
The case against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to test the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial process amid rising political tensions. As proceedings continue, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for public trust in both political and judicial institutions.
