By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Federal Government has filed a criminal suit against suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of making defamatory remarks during a live television broadcast.
Filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the case—marked CR/297/25—centres on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance on a TV programme on April 3.
The government alleged that her statements on the programme were defamatory and intended to harm the reputation of certain individuals, an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 392.
The suit lists Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as nominal complainants and key witnesses in the trial.
Other witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two investigating police officers—Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended from the Senate on March 6 over what was described as “gross misconduct” stemming from a confrontation with Akpabio concerning Senate seating arrangements.
A source reports that the senator has since claimed her suspension was unjust, calling it a move to silence her, particularly after she raised allegations of sexual harassment and political persecution.
Following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan lodged multiple petitions against the Senate President, prompting a counter-petition from Akpabio to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
In the petition, Akpabio demanded her prosecution for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause public unrest—stemming from her claim that he orchestrated an assassination plot against her.
Yahaya Bello also petitioned the IGP, refuting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations that he funded her recall and conspired with Akpabio to arrange her murder under the guise of a mob attack.