Senator Natasha Arraigned Again in Abuja Over Defamation Case Involving Akpabio, Yahaya Bello
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for a second arraignment in an ongoing defamation suit filed by the Federal Government.
The case involves serious allegations made by the senator against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The embattled senator arrived in court accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, prominent human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu, and a number of her loyal supporters.
Presiding over the matter is Justice Mohammed Umar, who is handling the fresh charges closely related to an earlier suit brought against Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on June 19, 2025.
During the previous court session, the Federal Government’s request for a bench warrant against the senator was denied after it was revealed that she had not been properly served with the court documents.
Government counsel, David Kaswe, admitted that the charges were only handed to her legal team that morning, within the courtroom. Justice Umar held that it was improper to expect the senator’s presence without prior notification and refused to issue an arrest order.
The charges stem from statements allegedly made by Senator Natasha during a televised interview, in which she claimed that Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello had conspired to assassinate her.
The remarks, described by the government as defamatory, led to the lawsuit now being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The case has sparked public interest due to the high-profile figures involved and its implications on free speech, political rivalry, and the use of state power in personal disputes. Proceedings have been adjourned to a later date for further hearing.
