The Federal Government has filed a criminal defamation suit against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello among six key witnesses.
Filed on May 16, 2025, at the FCT High Court (Suit No. CR/297/25), the case accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan—representing Kogi Central—of making defamatory statements during a live television appearance and a private phone call.
In one instance, during a Channels TV interview on April 3, 2025, the senator allegedly claimed that Akpabio and Bello discussed a plot to assassinate her:
“It was part of the meeting… Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night—to eliminate me,” she was quoted as saying in the charge.
The government also cited a March 27 phone call where Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly accused Akpabio of involvement in the organ harvesting of the late Iniubong Umoren.
These claims led to charges under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code, covering defamation and criminal harm to reputation.
Other named witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra C. Duru (involved in the cited phone call), and two police investigators.
The case follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6, an action she has described as politically motivated. She is also challenging the suspension in a separate lawsuit, with a Federal High Court judgment due on June 27.
Meanwhile, Akpabio and Bello have filed petitions with the Inspector-General of Police, alleging defamation and incitement.
The court is expected to announce a trial date soon.
