Federal Government Files Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; Legal Team Vows to Present Evidence

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has received a formal summons concerning a defamation lawsuit filed by the Federal Government at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The suit, filed on May 16, 2025, accuses the senator of making damaging statements during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.

The government alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly made imputations that could harm the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing Section 391 of the Penal Code. The case, marked CR/297/25, includes three counts of criminal defamation.

Witnesses expected to testify include Senate President Akpabio, former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, and other senators and police officers involved in the investigation.

Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), speaking for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers, confirmed the receipt of the summons on May 23, 2025, and assured that the defence will be based on “factual and statutory” grounds.

“We received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions alleging that our client made imputations she had reason to believe would harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the statement said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate in March 2025 over a confrontation with Akpabio about seating arrangements, which she has challenged as unlawful and politically motivated. She has also denied that her suspension relates to her sexual harassment claims against Akpabio.

The conflict escalated with petitions from both sides: Akpabio petitioned the police for investigation and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation and incitement, while former Governor Bello also petitioned over allegations of a plot to recall the senator. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused both men of conspiring to assassinate her in a manner disguised as a local attack in Kogi State.