Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for her second arraignment in a defamation suit filed by the Federal Government over comments allegedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
The hearing, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, follows an earlier arraignment on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The latest charge is tied to accusations that the senator defamed Akpabio and Bello during a live television interview, in which she claimed both men conspired to have her assassinated.
Senator Natasha arrived in court accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, activist Aisha Yesufu, and a crowd of supporters.
During the June 19 session, the judge declined a prosecution request for a bench warrant, noting that the senator had not been properly served. Government lawyer David Kaswe admitted the charges were only handed to her legal representative that morning in court.
The judge ruled that her absence was justifiable under the circumstances and rejected the call for her arrest.
The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, centres on alleged defamation and continues to stir public interest, particularly around issues of freedom of speech and political accountability.
What you should know
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being tried for defamation following claims she made on television accusing Akpabio and Bello of plotting her assassination. The Federal Government initiated the case, which has now reached a second arraignment stage.
