Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday morning arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja for a second arraignment over allegations of defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The Senator, who walked into the courtroom accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; renowned activist, Aisha Yesufu; and a crowd of supporters, is facing fresh charges brought against her by the Federal Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Justice Mohammed Umar is presiding over the matter, which marks a continuation of the legal battle that first came to public attention on June 19, 2025, when Senator Natasha was arraigned on a similar charge at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
At the previous hearing, the court declined a request by the prosecution to issue a bench warrant for Senator Natasha’s arrest after she failed to appear. Justice Umar ruled that the Senator could not be expected in court as she had not been properly served the charges or hearing notice prior to that day. The prosecution’s counsel, David Kaswe, had admitted during proceedings that the charge was only served on her lawyer that morning inside the courtroom.
According to the charge sheet, the defamation case stems from comments Senator Natasha allegedly made during a live television programme, where she claimed that both Akpabio and Bello were plotting to assassinate her.
The case has sparked nationwide interest, particularly among civil society groups and political observers, given its implications for free speech, political rivalry, and the growing scrutiny of public figures through the media.
As proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court in Abuja to determine the course of a case that could shape the discourse around accountability and defamation in Nigeria’s political landscape.
More updates to follow.