Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has arrived at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, for her arraignment in a criminal case involving alleged defamation.
The suspended senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was seen entering the courtroom around 10:30 am on June 19, 2025. The court session was scheduled to begin at 11:00 am, with everyone awaiting the judge’s arrival.
The charge against her was brought by the Federal Government through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar. The legal document, registered as case number CR/297/25, accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making damaging statements against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during a live interview.
According to court papers, the Federal Government claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke on Politics Today, a live programme aired on Channels Television on April 3, 2025. During the interview, she allegedly accused Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting her assassination.
One of her quoted remarks from the show reads:
“Let’s ask the Senate President why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks? He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. What is important to me is to stay alive because dead men tell no tales. Who is going to get justice for me?”
The government claims she knowingly made statements that could damage the names and reputations of the individuals involved. The charge also mentions her statement involving Yahaya Bello, where she alleged a planned meeting between Akpabio and Bello to eliminate her.
Further accusations involve a phone call she allegedly had with Sandra C. Duru on March 27, 2025. In that conversation, she reportedly made a disturbing claim concerning a murder victim and linked it to Senator Akpabio and his wife. The government says this allegation could severely affect the public image of the Senate President.
