Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that both Akpabio and Bello attempted to initiate her recall from the Senate and later conspired to orchestrate her assassination
Court Sets June 3 for Arraignment of Suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Defamation Charges
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 3, 2025, for the arraignment of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over charges of criminal defamation, following allegations she made against prominent political figures.
The case, filed by the Federal Government, stems from remarks by the embattled Kogi Central lawmaker implicating Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in an alleged plot to assassinate her. The arraignment notice, Suit No. CR/297/25, was signed by court registrar Hiradi Dada.
According to court documents, the charges were brought by the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), under the Federal Ministry of Justice, on May 16. Akpoti-Uduaghan is being prosecuted under Section 391 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes statements made with the intent, or reasonable belief, that they could damage another person’s reputation.
The DPPF, led by its director M.B. Abubakar, alleges that the senator knowingly made defamatory claims that could tarnish the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello.
The Allegations
The case centers on statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a 3 April appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’. In the interview, she accused Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Bello of conspiring to eliminate her following the withdrawal of her security detail after her suspension from the Senate.
“I stand by what I said… Akpabio had a meeting with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me,” she alleged on air. “Just ask the Senate President why he withdrew my security if not to make me vulnerable to attacks.”
The senator also referenced her long history of political violence since 2018, claiming that the removal of her security exposed her to further threats.
The interview was not the only instance of her making such claims. At a homecoming event on 1 April, she alleged that both Akpabio and Bello attempted to initiate her recall from the Senate and later conspired to orchestrate her assassination.
According to her, the plan was allegedly discussed during a late-night meeting on March 13, following a phone call from Akpabio to Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
“The meeting had two objectives: to begin my recall and to arrange for my assassination,” she claimed, adding that Akpabio allegedly advised Bello to ensure the act occurred in her constituency to make it appear as a local attack.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said she has formally reported the matter to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Denials and Counteractions
Both Akpabio and Bello have categorically denied the accusations and have petitioned the IGP for a full investigation. They maintain the senator’s allegations are unfounded and damaging.
As the legal proceedings approach, the case is expected to draw significant public attention due to its high political profile and the sensitive nature of the claims involved. Read More
