ABUJA, Nigeria — The federal government has filed a criminal suit against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, over allegedly defamatory remarks made during a live television broadcast.
The suit, marked CR/297/25, was filed on Friday, May 16, 2025, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The senator is the sole defendant in the case.
According to the charges, the government accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same code.
The contentious remarks were allegedly made during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” programme, which aired on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Though the full details of her statements have not yet been made public, they reportedly formed the basis of the government’s legal action, with the prosecution arguing that her comments were defamatory and intended to damage the reputation of specific individuals.
Among the listed witnesses for the prosecution are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, both of whom are said to be the nominal complainants in the matter.
Others named as witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, public figure Sandra Duru, and two investigating police officers — Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal troubles follow her Thursday, March 6, 2025, suspension from the Senate for what was described as “gross misconduct.”
The suspension came after a contentious incident involving seating arrangements and alleged harassment by Senate President Akpabio.
The senator has maintained that the suspension was politically motivated and intended to silence her.
She has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has filed multiple petitions against Akpabio, including allegations of sexual harassment and a plot to orchestrate her assassination.
In response, Akpabio petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, calling for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate investigation and prosecution for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Yahaya Bello, in a separate petition, also denied allegations that he had any role in a campaign to recall or harm the senator, accusing her of spreading baseless and dangerous falsehoods.
