Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected a ₦1 billion defamation judgment delivered against her by a Kogi State High Court and has moved to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The trial court in Lokoja ruled in favour of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, awarding ₦1 billion in damages over statements made by the senator during a television interview in 2022, which the court held to be defamatory.

In its judgment, the court maintained that the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan were not substantiated with credible evidence and had caused reputational damage to the claimant. It also issued an injunction restraining her from making further similar statements in the media.

Reacting to the ruling, the senator dismissed the verdict, describing it as a miscarriage of justice. She insisted that her statements were made in the public interest and reflected concerns raised by her constituents.

Her legal team has since filed a notice of appeal, signalling the commencement of appellate proceedings to overturn the decision.

The case is expected to draw significant public and political attention as it progresses through the appellate court.