The federal government has instituted a suit against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, over alleged defamatory remarks made on live television.
The Federal Government has filed a criminal suit (CR/297/25) against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The case, filed on May 16, 2025, lists Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
She is accused of making statements “knowing or having reason to believe” they would damage another person’s reputation, in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
According to documents obtained by TheCable, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello are among the key witnesses expected to testify. Both men are listed as nominal complainants in the case.
One of the charges accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory remarks during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.
Additional witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, Maya Iliya, an investigating police officer, and Abdulhafiz Garba, also an investigating officer.
The charges follow a heated political fallout between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. On March 6, she was suspended from the Senate for “gross misconduct” after a confrontation over seating arrangements.
The senator has consistently rejected the grounds of her suspension, describing it as illegal, unjust, and an attempt to silence her. She has continued to submit petitions and public allegations against Akpabio, including claims of sexual harassment.
In response, Akpabio filed a petition with Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun in April, calling for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s investigation and prosecution for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusations, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Former Governor Bello also petitioned the IGP, denying claims that he initiated and funded a recall process against the senator. Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Bello acted on Akpabio’s instructions to orchestrate her assassination outside Abuja in a manner designed to appear as a mob attack.
