By Atoyebi Nike
The legal representatives of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have confirmed receipt of a formal court summons from the Federal Government over alleged defamatory remarks made during a televised interview, promising to present a robust defence based on facts and statutory provisions.
The suit, filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court and marked CR/297/25, alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan made statements on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on April 3, 2025, which could harm the reputation of a public official, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code.
In a statement released Friday by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, the lawmaker’s legal team acknowledged formal service of the three-count charge by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the FCT High Court premises.
“We received the said information on her behalf through a letter of authority duly issued and filed in the court’s registry,” the statement read.
“The legal team will fully prepare and present all factual and statutory defences available to our client during the trial.”
Prominent among the prosecution’s listed witnesses are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two police investigators—Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, following a heated altercation involving Senate President Akpabio, has consistently described the suspension as politically motivated and a breach of her legislative rights. She has accused both Akpabio and Bello of orchestrating attempts to silence her through intimidation, including an alleged assassination plot.
In April, Akpabio petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, requesting an investigation and possible prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations he termed “criminal defamation, false accusation, and conduct likely to incite public disorder.”
Former Governor Bello also filed a similar petition, refuting claims that he sought to recall the senator or was involved in any plot against her. Natasha had accused him of carrying out orders allegedly issued by Akpabio.
