Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Appear in Court Tuesday Over Defamation Charges
Suspended Kogi Central senator accused of making defamatory claims against Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, June 3, in connection with a defamation lawsuit filed by the Federal Government.
Her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), confirmed her scheduled appearance in a statement on Sunday. However, he did not specify whether the senator would be formally arraigned during the proceedings.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central but is currently under suspension, is accused of making defamatory statements during a live television interview and a separate private telephone conversation.
According to court filings, the statements allegedly targeted Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court, where the case was filed on May 16, 2025, has marked the charge as CR/297/25. The case centers around an April 3, 2025, appearance by Akpoti-Uduaghan on Politics Today, a Channels Television program. During that interview, she allegedly claimed that Akpabio and Bello were involved in a plot to assassinate her.
In addition, she is accused of making further defamatory statements during a private phone call with Dr. Sandra Duru on March 27, 2025. During that conversation, she allegedly accused Senate President Akpabio of being linked to a controversial organ harvesting claim involving the late Iniubong Umoren, purportedly for the benefit of his ailing wife.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has assured the public that she will comply fully with all court directives.
The case has sparked nationwide interest due to its high-profile nature, involving senior political figures and sensitive allegations that straddle both political and legal arenas.
