Dafamation case: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan set to appear in court Tuesday

 


Defamation Case: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Set to Appear in Court Tuesday



Suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, following a summons issued by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), confirmed the court appearance on Sunday but noted uncertainty over whether the Federal Government plans to formally arraign her.

“Whatever the government’s plan, our client is a law-abiding citizen and will comply fully with the court’s directive,” Idahosa said.

The Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, has filed criminal charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The charges stem from alleged defamatory statements she made during a live television appearance and a private phone call. The remarks reportedly targeted Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

According to court documents (Charge No. CR/297/25) filed on May 16, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of stating during an April 3 appearance on Politics Today (Channels TV) that Akpabio and Bello discussed plans to assassinate her.

“She claimed in the broadcast that part of their conversation involved plans to eliminate her in Kogi State,” the charge reads.

Additionally, she allegedly made further defamatory claims during a March 27 phone call with one Dr. Sandra Duru, in which she accused Akpabio of involvement in organ harvesting linked to the late Iniubong Umoren, supposedly for the benefit of Akpabio’s ailing wife.

Akpabio, Bello, and four others have been listed as key witnesses in the case.

In a phone interview, Idahosa said the defense team is fully prepared for the proceedings.

“If the case is called tomorrow, we will respond accordingly. Protests are not our concern—we are focused on the legal defense. That’s the job of civil society,” he stated.

He emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s respect for the rule of law: “She’s not someone who disregards court orders. She will be there as required.”

Regarding the arraignment, Idahosa added, “We’re not certain. We’ve seen an amended charge notice. The government has amended the charges once—they could do it again. It’s entirely up to them.”


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Labour Party Lawmakers as an Appendage to APC Majority Lawmakers: A Huge Question Mark on Peter Obi’s Leadership

Image
  The Labour Party (LP) made an unprecedented impact in the 2023 general elections, largely due to the influence of Mr Peter Obi and the Obidient movement. Before then, it was almost unthinkable for a third-force party to achieve significant electoral success in Nigeria. However, against all odds, the LP secured eight senatorial seats and 34 seats in the House of Representatives as of March 7, 2023. Among those elected were individuals from humble backgrounds, including a former commercial motorcyclist and a motor park loading agent, further reinforcing the movement’s appeal to ordinary Nigerians. Labour Party’s Crisis and the Loss of Legislative Influence To the disappointment of many supporters, the Labour Party is currently experiencing severe internal disarray. At least one senator and five members of the House of Representatives have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Even more concerning is that the remaining LP lawmakers in the National Assembly appear ...
Read more

Chief Priest holds his First-Ever Stage Performance at his birthday party in Owerri

Image
Chief Priest’s First-Ever Stage Performance: A Night of Emotions, Gratitude & Celebration in Owerri Owerri, the heart of Eastern Nigeria, witnessed a night of history, emotions, and gratitude as celebrity businessman and socialite, Cubana Chief Priest , took the stage for his first-ever live performance —and it happened on his own birthday. The event, which was packed with fans, celebrities, and well-wishers, was more than just a celebration of another year; it was a heartfelt tribute to his roots, his supporters, and a dear friend he lost. A Moment of Silence for Ifeanyi Ubah Before the music, before the cheers, before the energy hit the roof, Chief Priest paused the night with an emotional tribute. The entire venue fell silent as he led a minute of silence for his late friend, Ifeanyi Ubah . The bond they shared was well known, and this moment was a reflection of how much he still carried the weight of the loss. Owerri: The City of His Beginnings As the night moved forward,...
Read more

Forbidden Flames.... Torchlight for Twilight.

Image
By Ogbu A.M. The traffic buzzed outside their Lekki apartment as Emeka sat quietly in the living room, his eyes fixed on his phone, though his mind was miles away. Lagos had a way of wearing people out—but nothing had worn him down like what he’d just learned. His best friend, Charles, had dropped the bomb casually while they shared beers at a bar in Victoria Island. "Guy, I no dey try cause wahala, but I think say you suppose know wetin your wife dey do. Ngozi talk say Chioma dey knack her oga for office. That Ndubisi guy." It had hit Emeka like a slap. For days, he pretended he hadn’t heard it. But now, as he watched Chioma humming in the kitchen, moving gracefully like nothing was wrong, he knew Charles wasn’t lying. Her phone was always face-down. Late meetings. A new perfume. The soft smile she had when she texted someone she wouldn’t name. And then there was Ngozi—Chioma’s younger sister. She had moved in temporarily while job-hunting, according to Chioma. Young, v...
Read more