By our reporter
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was arraigned on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama over allegations of criminal defamation brought against her by the Federal Government.
The embattled lawmaker arrived at the courthouse around 10:30 a.m. accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, ahead of the 11:00 a.m. session presided over by Justice C.N. Orji. A heavy security presence, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), surrounded the premises as proceedings got underway.
The defamation suit, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory remarks against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The charges stem from alleged statements made by the senator in a television interview and other public platforms, where she reportedly accused Akpabio of conspiring to endanger her life and undermine her political career.
During the court session, Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her legal team requested bail, which the prosecution initially opposed, citing the seriousness of the allegations. However, the court eventually granted her bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with conditions including the surrender of her international passport and the provision of a surety who owns property within Abuja.
Justice Orji adjourned the case to September 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the suspended senator’s political future and ongoing controversies in the Nigerian Senate.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal critic of alleged government misconduct, has described the charges as a politically motivated attempt to silence her. The Federal Government, however, maintains that the case is based on credible allegations of reputational harm against a top-ranking official.
