By Admin
The legal counsel representing suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has confirmed receipt of a formal summons from the Federal Government regarding a defamation case filed against her. They have assured the public that all legal options will be explored to defend their client in court.
The suit, filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, is based on statements the senator allegedly made during a live broadcast of Politics Today on Channels Television on April 3. The Federal Government claims that her comments were defamatory and contravened Section 391 of the Penal Code, which addresses injurious imputations.
Several key individuals are expected to appear as witnesses for the prosecution, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and police officers Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
A statement released late Friday, May 23, by Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), confirmed that the legal team had formally accepted the court papers on behalf of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and was preparing to present a detailed defence.
The statement read in part: “We received the charge sheet at the FCT High Court at approximately 2:30 p.m. today. It outlines three counts alleging that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made statements likely to damage the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Our team will present all relevant legal and factual defences during the course of the trial.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 following a confrontation with Akpabio during a plenary session. She has since described the action as a calculated attempt to silence her following her allegations of sexual harassment involving a high-ranking lawmaker.
Following her suspension, she filed several petitions accusing both Akpabio and former Governor Bello of conspiring to orchestrate a politically motivated attack against her. In response, Akpabio wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, demanding an investigation into the senator for allegedly making false claims and inciting public unrest.
Similarly, Bello also petitioned the police, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely accused him of being involved in a plan to have her harmed under the guise of a mob attack.
The case is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, with intense legal scrutiny anticipated due to the high-profile nature of those involved.
