Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is set to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, following a summons related to criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government.
The charges stem from allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello during a live television broadcast on April 3, 2025, and a private telephone conversation on March 27, 2025. The Federal Government, represented by Director of Public Prosecutions Mohammed Abubakar, filed the criminal charges on May 16, 2025, under case number CR/297/25.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), confirmed her scheduled court appearance, stating that while the legal team is uncertain whether the Federal Government will formally arraign her during the session, they are prepared to respond accordingly. “Our client is a law-abiding citizen. Why wouldn’t she be there? It’s a summons we have undertaken,” Idahosa remarked.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with Akpoti-Uduaghan accused of making statements that allegedly implicated Akpabio and Bello in a conspiracy to assassinate her. Additionally, she is alleged to have accused Akpabio of involvement in organ harvesting linked to the late Iniubong Umoren.
Akpabio, Bello, and four others are listed as key witnesses in the case. Idahosa emphasized that the legal team remains focused on defending the charges, stating, “The issue of protest is irrelevant to us—we are lawyers, and our focus is on defending charges we believe can be contested.”