Senator Natasha Arrives In Court As FG Pursues Second Legal Action

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for a second arraignment in a defamation case involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

She arrived at the court accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, and a group of supporters.

The case is being heard by Justice Mohammed Umar and follows a similar charge filed earlier this month. On June 19, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faced related allegations at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

During that earlier session, the judge rejected a request by the federal government for a bench warrant against the senator, citing procedural issues. Government counsel David Kaswe admitted that the charges had only been served on her legal representative that morning—right inside the courtroom.

The judge ruled that since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had not been formally served prior to the hearing, it was unreasonable to expect her presence, and he subsequently dismissed the prosecution’s request for her arrest.

The defamation case stems from statements allegedly made by the senator during a live television interview, in which she accused Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to have her assassinated.

The suit was filed by the federal government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and centers on alleged defamatory remarks.