Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has pledged to respond to the criminal defamation case filed against her by the Federal Government with what she calls “factual and statutory defences.”
The legal action follows her remarks made during a live broadcast of Politics Today on Channels Television, which aired on April 3.
Her legal representatives, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, confirmed receiving the court summons on Friday.
The case, filed under the reference CR/297/25, was instituted on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
According to the government’s filing, Akpoti-Uduaghan is charged under Section 391 of the Penal Code, which addresses defamation and imputations made with intent to damage reputation.
The prosecution alleges she made certain statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.”
Prominent individuals expected to testify include Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Also listed are Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, Maya Iliya, and two investigating police officers, Abdulhafiz Garba and Maya Iliya.
In a statement released late Friday, Dr. West-Idahosa said “We received the court notice this (Friday) afternoon on behalf of our client, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The charges leveled against her are rooted in alleged defamatory statements against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“We shall take all necessary legal steps to defend our client. We intend to adequately prepare with all relevant facts and present the same before the court during the trial,” he added.
