FG Files Criminal Suit Against Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Defamatory Remarks

The Federal Government has filed a criminal case against suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged defamatory statements made during a live television appearance.

The suit, marked CR/297/25, was filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with Akpoti-Uduaghan named as the sole defendant.

According to the charge, the government accused her of making harmful imputations “knowing or having reason to believe” they would damage someone’s reputation—an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 392.

Prominent figures listed as witnesses include Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who are also the nominal complainants in the case.

The first count specifically references her comments made during an April 3 appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Other witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and police investigators Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute involving her seating arrangement and Akpabio. She described the suspension as unjust, politically motivated, and a deliberate attempt to silence her.

She also dismissed the Senate’s claim that her suspension was unrelated to her sexual harassment allegations.

In the aftermath of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly criticized Akpabio, submitted petitions against him, and accused him of plotting her assassination. Akpabio responded by petitioning the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking her prosecution for criminal defamation, incitement, and false accusation.

Bello also filed a separate petition after the senator accused him of funding a recall campaign against her and conspiring to assassinate her in a staged mob-style attack.