The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday turned down the Federal Government’s application to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a criminal defamation case brought against her.
The Federal Government is pursuing the case on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, both of whom are reportedly subjects of alleged defamatory remarks made by the senator during a live television interview.
When the matter was called, prosecuting counsel Mr. D.D. Kasue informed the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment. He pointed out that although the defendant was not present in court, the charge had been served through her legal representative, thereby implying her awareness of the case.
Kasue consequently urged the court to issue a bench warrant for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s arrest, asserting that her absence amounted to a deliberate attempt to avoid standing trial.
“This morning, we served the defendant via her counsel, but she’s not in court,” Kasue told the court. “This indicates that the defendant knows of the case but chose not to attend. On that basis, we request the issuance of a bench warrant for her failure to appear and take her plea in this criminal matter.”
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Mr. Jacob Usman, SAN, immediately opposed the motion. He described the application as inappropriate and discourteous, especially considering the circumstances under which the charge was served.
Usman explained that upon learning of the pending suit, he proactively reached out to the prosecution and accepted service on behalf of his client. He was handed the charge document at 9:15 a.m. that morning in court, which left no reasonable opportunity for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be informed or make arrangements to appear.
“I received the charge here in court this morning at 9:15,” Usman said. “There was no prior notice or indication that the matter would be called today. It’s illogical to assume the defendant could have appeared when she hadn’t even seen the charge.”
He urged the court to reject the prosecution’s request, insisting it lacked merit and fairness.
Justice Musa Umar, presiding over the matter, questioned the prosecution about whether the charge had been served directly on the defendant. Upon hearing that it had not, the judge concluded that there was no legal basis to grant a bench warrant.
The judge emphasized that a defendant who has not been personally served cannot be presumed to have wilfully ignored court proceedings. He declined to issue the warrant, instead approving an alternative request—one made by the prosecution only as an afterthought—for substituted service through Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel.
Justice Umar adjourned the case until June 30, 2025, for the defendant’s arraignment.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the charges stem from statements allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live broadcast on Channels Television on April 3, 2025. During the appearance, she was said to have made remarks considered defamatory, including allegations of a conspiracy involving Akpabio and Bello to assassinate her.
What you should know
A Federal High Court judge has denied the Federal Government’s request for a bench warrant against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing improper service of court documents.
The case, linked to comments she made on national television, will proceed on June 30 after substituted service through her lawyer was approved.
