ABUJA – The Federal Government of Nigeria has pressed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. These charges follow explosive allegations she made on live television on April 3, 2025. The government accuses her of criminal defamation, a serious offense.
The legal action was initiated by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, headed by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The suit, officially marked CR/297/25, landed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on May 16. According to the government, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan broke Section 391 of the Penal Code. This law addresses making defamatory statements, in this case, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The official court document states she made these remarks knowing they could damage their reputations.
At the Heart of the Akpoti-Uduaghan Charges: Plot Allegations
The core of the Akpoti-Uduaghan charges lies in her television appearance. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is the only person named in the suit, claimed that Akpabio and Bello were part of a plot to assassinate her. The government views this dramatic accusation as criminal defamation. This legal battle further strains the already tense relationship between the senator and the Senate leadership. It’s worth noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
“These reckless and baseless accusations were clearly designed to tarnish the reputations of respected public figures without substantiated evidence,” a spokesperson from the Attorney General’s office commented. The Akpoti-Uduaghan charges are moving forward based on these allegedly false and harmful statements.
Senator’s Defiant Stance
Despite the serious charges, the senator is standing her ground. She argues that her statements were made in the public’s interest. Furthermore, Akpoti-Uduaghan suggests the legal proceedings are politically motivated. “I spoke out because I believe Nigerians deserve to know the truth about what I faced,” she declared in response to the lawsuit.
Legal experts are keeping a close watch on this case. It has quickly become a hot topic in Nigeria’s dynamic political environment. As of now, the FCT High Court has not set a date for the trial to begin.
By Abdullah Korede
