Nigeria News

Defamation trial: FG lists Akpabio, Yahaya Bello as witnesses against suspended Senator, Natasha

The legal team of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has officially received a court summons in the defamation case filed against her by the Federal Government at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The suit, filed on Friday, May 16, 2025, and marked CR/297/25, stems from allegedly defamatory remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on April 3, 2025.

According to the charge sheet, the Federal Government accuses the senator of making damaging allegations against several individuals, with the knowledge or reasonable belief that such statements could harm their reputations. The charges are brought under Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.

Prominent figures listed as witnesses include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, Maya Iliya, as well as police investigators and Abdulhafiz Garba.

Confirming the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), released a statement on Friday acknowledging receipt of the summons. He confirmed that the senator was duly served at the FCT High Court on May 23, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m.

“We received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, containing three counts alleging that our client made imputations likely to damage the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the statement read. “We will fully prepare and present all factual and statutory defences available to our client.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following a heated dispute with Senate President Akpabio over her seat allocation. She has since described her suspension as unlawful and politically motivated, alleging an orchestrated campaign to silence her.

In the weeks following her suspension, the lawmaker filed several petitions and raised fresh accusations against Akpabio. In response, the Senate President petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, accusing her of defamation, false allegations, incitement, and actions capable of disturbing public peace.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello also submitted a petition to the police, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of making false claims, including an alleged assassination plot that she said would be disguised as a mob attack outside Abuja. The senator had accused Bello of acting under Akpabio’s instructions to initiate her recall from the Senate.

Agbenu James

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