Ahead of the expected arraignment of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Federal Government, her lawyers say they are prepared to debunk the allegations and present factual evidence in her defence.
The legal team made the exposition while confirming receiving the summons filed against the suspended Kogi-Central Senator by the Federal Government at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court last week.
The law suit hinges on Natasha’s claims that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the former governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, were plotting to kill her.
The allegation considered as defamatory, was made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, during a live programme on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on April 3rd, 2025.
Consequently, on May 16th, the Federal Government filed the suit, with number CR/297/25, alleging criminal defamation.
Both Akpabio and Bello had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over Natasha’s allegations.
The government has now accused the senator of “making the imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” citing Section 391 of the Penal Code, cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
Among the witnesses listed to testify during the trial were Godswill Akpabio, and Yahaya Bello.
Others include, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru and investigating police officers Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
Confirming receipt of the summon, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), on behalf of Natasha’s legal team, pledged to prepare all “factual and statutory defences” available to the lawmaker during the trial.
“At about 2:30pm on Friday, May 23, 2025, within the premises of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, we received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, containing three counts alleging that our client, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi-Central, made imputations she had reason to believe would harm the reputation of Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate.
“We received the said information on her behalf through a letter of authority duly issued and filed in the court’s Registry.
“The legal team will fully prepare and present all factual and statutory defences available to our client during the trial,” he said.
Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan has been involved in controversy after she accused the Senate President of sexually harassing her.
The allegation was made after her seat was reallocated in the Senate. She refused to move to the new seat despite entreaties from some of her colleagues.
Thereafter, she was suspended and the conflict has since escalated.
