By Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Arraigned for defamation over assassination claims
Summary
- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to criminal defamation charges filed by the Federal Government
- The case stems from her televised claims accusing Akpabio and Yahaya Bello of plotting her assassination
- Justice Orji granted her ₦50 million bail; trial is set to resume on September 23, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central was arraigned by the Federal Government on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on a three-count charge of criminal defamation.
The charges follow statements she made during a live interview on Politics Today, aired by Channels Television on April 3, in which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio ordered the withdrawal of her security to leave her vulnerable and discussed her elimination with Bello. She further linked Akpabio to the death of Miss Imoren Iniubong. Prosecutors claim these allegations violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and are punishable under Section 392. She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Chizoba Orji granted her bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with the condition of a surety who must own property in Abuja and be a person of integrity.
The judge rejected the prosecution’s application for her remand, noting her willingness to stand trial and invoking constitutional protections under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and adjourned the trial to September 23, 2025,
The Federal Government has listed key witnesses for the trial, including Akpabio, Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, two police officers, and Sandra Duru.
The charges follow ongoing political tensions. On March 6, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months after a heated confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements, an incident she attributed to rejecting alleged advances from him. She has since filed a separate suit challenging her suspension, with a ruling expected on June 27.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil rights group, has publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney General to drop the case, describing it as politically motivated and an attack on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s human rights. There is no indication that its call has influenced proceedings as the case remains active.
