By Prosper Mene
The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a criminal lawsuit against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of making defamatory statements during a live television interview. The suit, lodged on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court and marked CR/297/25, names Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
According to court documents, the charges comes from comments the senator made on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025. The government alleges that her statements were defamatory and intended to harm the reputation of certain individuals, violating Section 391 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties under Section 392. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello are listed as nominal complainants and are expected to testify against her.
The specific remarks were not detailed in the suit, but sources indicate they relate to ongoing disputes involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been embroiled in multiple legal battles. The senator, currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct, has faced separate defamation lawsuits, including a N250 billion claim by Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Unoma, over alleged sexual harassment accusations against the Senate President, and a N5 billion suit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi for remarks made on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent figure and the first female senator from Kogi State, has maintained that her suspension and the legal actions against her are attempts to silence her advocacy for women’s rights and good governance. Her legal team has yet to respond publicly to the federal government’s suit, and no court date has been set for the hearing.
The case has kick started a debate, with some Nigerians questioning the timing of the charges, given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s vocal criticism of political figures. Others see it as part of efforts to address defamatory statements in public discourse. From indications, the case is likely to draw significant attention due to the senator’s high-profile status and the involvement of key political figures.
