Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is expected to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday, following a court summons.
Her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), confirmed her appearance in a statement on Sunday, noting that while the legal team is unsure whether the Federal Government intends to proceed with her arraignment, Akpoti-Uduaghan will fully comply with the court’s directive.
“Our client is a law-abiding citizen. Why wouldn’t she be there? It’s a summons we have undertaken. Only disrespectful institutions that disregard court orders would fail to appear, and she is not in that category,” Idahosa stated.
Background to the Case
The Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, filed criminal defamation charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan on May 16, 2025, under case number CR/297/25.
The charges stem from comments she allegedly made:
- During a live TV appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025, where she claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello discussed a plot to assassinate her.
- In a private phone call with Dr. Sandra Duru on March 27, 2025, where she allegedly linked Akpabio to organ harvesting involving the late Iniubong Umoren, purportedly to benefit his ailing wife.
According to the prosecution, both statements are defamatory and criminal in nature.
Key Witnesses
The Federal Government has named Akpabio, Bello, and four others as principal witnesses in the case.
Legal Team’s Position
Idahosa emphasized that the defence team is ready to contest the charges, regardless of the government’s strategy.
“If the case is called tomorrow, we will respond accordingly. Our focus is on defending charges we believe are contestable. Protests are for civil society, not lawyers,” he said.
He also noted uncertainty surrounding the government’s legal maneuvers:
“We’ve seen a notice of amended charges. We don’t know exactly what they plan to do. They’ve already amended the charges once and may do so again—it’s their prerogative.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance on Tuesday will mark a critical stage in a case that has generated widespread attention due to its political sensitivity and the high-profile individuals involved.
