Key points

• FG sues Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged defamation.

• Akpabio and Yahaya Bello listed as key prosecution witnesses.

• The case stems from claims made during a live TV interview.

The Federal Government has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She currently represents Kogi Central but is on suspension.

The charges stem from her statements made during a national television appearance.

On May 16, 2025, prosecutors submitted the suit before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. It is marked as CR/297/25.

They claim Natasha knowingly made false and harmful accusations. These remarks allegedly damaged the reputations of certain individuals.

According to the charges, Natasha violated Section 391 of the Penal Code. This section defines defamation. Authorities plan to apply Section 392 for possible penalties.

Natasha made the controversial remarks during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello will testify in the trial. The government lists both men as principal witnesses.

Akpabio, Bello lead witness list in defamation trial

Prosecutors have named additional witnesses for the case. These include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two police investigators—Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.

The Federal Government insists Natasha’s comments amount to criminal defamation. Furthermore, it accuses her of incitement and making false allegations.

Officials say she falsely claimed Akpabio and Bello conspired to assassinate her. She alleged that they wanted the incident to appear as a mob attack outside Abuja.

Yahaya Bello also submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police. He denied Natasha’s claim that he sponsored a campaign to recall her from office.

He further stated that Natasha’s accusations were based on instructions from Akpabio, which he dismissed as false and dangerous.

Senator Natasha maintains defiance amid legal pressure

Natasha was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025. Senate leadership cited gross misconduct, particularly a conflict with Akpabio over her seating position.

She challenged the decision immediately. Natasha described her suspension as unjust and politically motivated. According to her, Senate leadership wanted to silence her after she raised claims of sexual harassment.

In response, she filed counter-petitions. She continued to accuse the Senate President of misconduct.

In April, Akpabio filed a formal complaint with the police. He requested an urgent investigation. He also urged Natasha’s prosecution for criminal defamation and other related offenses.

Despite increasing legal pressure, Natasha remains firm. She insists her actions were lawful and protected.

The case adds tension to the already strained atmosphere in Nigeria’s legislature. The trial is expected to attract national attention.