Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alongside her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and activist, Aisha Yesufu has arrived at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, for arraignment over a defamation suit.
The embattled lawmaker was seen entering the courtroom at about 10:30 am on Thursday, ahead of the 11:00 am session presided over by Justice C.N. Oji.
She is being arraigned on alleged defamation charges, with a large number of police and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel taking over the court premises.
The criminal charge, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government, accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
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The case, marked CR/297/25, stems from comments allegedly made by the senator during a live television interview on Channels TV and a public address in April 2025.
According to the government, Akpoti-Uduaghan transmitted “false information” via computer systems and networks—comments which allegedly linked Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello to an alleged plot to have her assassinated.
According to the charge sheet obtained by SaharaReporters, and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, the senator is accused of saying that “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to ensure my killing is done in Kogi, so it appears like a local issue.”
The Federal Government had earlier in May filed a separate three-count charge against her, captured in suit number CR/1277/25, also relating to defamation of Akpabio and Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan faces charges bordering on cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and defamation under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. If found guilty, she may face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, a former governorship candidate, accompanied her into the courtroom, offering silent support as the proceedings unfolded.
