Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Arraigned on Defamation Charges Over Comments About Akpabio, Yahaya Bello
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on Thursday arraigned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before a Federal High Court on three counts of alleged defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charges stem from comments she allegedly made during a televised interview and a private conversation, which prosecutors claim were intended to harm the reputations of the two political figures.
Arraignment and Bail Conditions
During the court session, Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to all charges when read aloud by the registrar. The prosecution, led by David Kaswe, requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of her bail application.
However, her lead counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), moved swiftly to argue for bail. He assured the court that the suspended senator is not a flight risk, has cooperated with authorities, and would not interfere with ongoing investigations or prosecution witnesses. He also emphasized her constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Justice Chizoba Oji, who presided over the case, ruled in her favor. Acknowledging that the alleged offences are not capital in nature, the judge granted Akpoti-Uduaghan bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a property owner within the court’s jurisdiction.
The trial was adjourned to September 23, 2025.
The Charges Explained
According to court filings, the charges fall under the Penal Code Law, specifically Sections 391 and 392, which deal with defamation and imputations made with intent to harm a person’s reputation. The AGF alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had made statements knowing they could damage the public image of Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello.
The court documents read in part:
“Making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89 Laws of the Federation, 1990, and punishable under Section 392 of the same Law.”
A Second Legal Battle
This is not the only defamation-related charge Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently facing. Earlier in the year, she was also served with a six-count cybercrime-related charge by the AGF’s office. In that case, she is accused of breaching the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024 through statements deemed defamatory toward the Senate President.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had directed that the charges be served through her legal counsel. That matter has been adjourned until June 30, 2025, for arraignment.
Legal and Political Context
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her outspoken political stance and reformist views, has often courted controversy in her political career. These legal challenges come amid rising political tensions and accusations of power misuse by government officials and political elites.
Her legal team has maintained that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at silencing a vocal critic.
What’s Next?
As the September trial date approaches, all eyes will be on how the Nigerian judiciary handles a high-profile defamation case involving sitting and former top government officials. The outcome could have significant implications for political speech, press freedom, and the criminalization of public commentary in Nigeria.
In the meantime, the senator remains free on bail, vowing to continue speaking out while maintaining her innocence.
