The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, over allegations she made during a televised interview in April 2025. The charges, filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, accuse the senator of criminal defamation under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The government alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly made false statements that could harm the reputations of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello .
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
In the April 3, 2025, interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her. The government contends that these statements were made with the intent to defame the individuals involved. The charges include three counts of defamation, with potential penalties under Section 392 of the Penal Code Law, which provides for imprisonment, fines, or both .
Witnesses and Evidence
The prosecution has listed several individuals as witnesses, including Akpabio and Bello themselves. Other proposed witnesses are Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, U.S.-based Sandra Duru, and Nigerian police officers Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba. The case is being pursued by the Department of Public Prosecutions, led by Director Mohammed Abubakar .
Background Context
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a vocal critic of the Senate leadership. In March 2025, she was suspended for six months for alleged misconduct, which she contended was in retaliation for her accusations against Akpabio. Her suspension and the subsequent legal actions have sparked discussions on gender equality and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics .
The case has garnered significant attention, raising questions about the balance between freedom of speech and the protection of individual reputations in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Also Read: Nigeria Clears $3.4 Billion IMF Loan Ahead of Schedule
