A heavy security presence enveloped the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday morning ahead of the scheduled arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on charges of alleged defamation.
No fewer than 200 armed police officers were deployed around and within the court premises to ensure order and forestall any potential breakdown of law and order.
The officers, stationed at strategic locations, were reportedly acting on intelligence to avert possible threats before, during, and after the court proceedings.
Senator Natasha, who is facing a three-count charge of defamation, is being prosecuted by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
She is alleged to have defamed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
At the time of filing this report, the courtroom was already packed with political loyalists of Yahaya Bello, who arrived early to observe the proceedings.
Supporters of Senator Natasha, including renowned human rights advocate and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, were also present in solidarity.
Also in court were several senior legal practitioners, led by prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Roland Otaru, signaling the high-profile nature of the case.
The arraignment, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., has attracted widespread public interest due to the personalities involved and the political undercurrents surrounding the charges.
Source: Daily Post
