Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Faces Court Over Alleged Defamation: What You Need to Know About the High-Profile Case
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is set to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Her court appearance follows a formal summons issued in connection with criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The case has quickly become one of the most talked-about political and legal sagas in Nigeria in recent times, involving powerful political figures such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The legal battle is expected to stir significant public interest, with major implications for freedom of speech, political accountability, and judicial transparency in Nigeria.
In this long-form update, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from the background of the charges to reactions from legal representatives—while optimizing for key search terms like Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan court case, Akpoti-Uduaghan defamation charges, and Akpabio assassination allegation.
What Led to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Court Summons?
The embattled Senator's legal troubles stem from a combination of statements she allegedly made during a television interview and in a private phone call, both of which the Federal Government claims were defamatory and criminal in nature.
According to court filings, the Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, officially filed criminal charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan on May 16, 2025. The case is listed under suit number CR/297/25 at the FCT High Court.
The charges revolve around two explosive allegations made by the Senator:
-
An Assassination Plot: During an appearance on Channels Television’s "Politics Today" on April 3, 2025, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly accused Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello of planning to assassinate her.
-
Organ Harvesting Allegation: In a private phone conversation on March 27, 2025, with a woman identified as Dr. Sandra Duru, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly implicated Akpabio in an organ harvesting scheme involving the late Iniubong Umoren, claiming it was orchestrated to benefit Akpabio’s ailing wife.
These are weighty allegations that, if proven false, could amount to serious criminal defamation—a charge that carries significant legal consequences under Nigerian law.
Key Quotes from the Charge Sheet
The Federal Government has cited the following statement from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s April 3 interview as particularly defamatory:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night—to eliminate me… he then emphasised that I should be killed in Kogi.”
This quote, which alleges an assassination conspiracy involving two of the country's most powerful political figures, lies at the heart of the criminal complaint. The government contends that this statement, made in a public broadcast, amounts to criminal misinformation and intentional character assassination.
In the second instance, the government claims that during a phone call with Dr. Sandra Duru, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that:
Akpabio was linked to an organ harvesting plot involving the late Iniubong Umoren, allegedly to help his wife who was gravely ill.
Both claims have been described as defamatory, unsubstantiated, and damaging to national unity and trust in public institutions.
Legal Representation and Court Readiness
Speaking on Sunday, June 1, 2025, West Idahosa (SAN), the lead counsel for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, confirmed that his client is ready to comply with the court summons. Idahosa stated that the legal team has no intention of skipping the court date, despite uncertainties surrounding the government’s next steps.
In his words:
“If the case is called tomorrow, we will respond accordingly. Protests are not our focus—we are lawyers, and our job is to contest the charges. That’s for civil society to handle.”
He further added:
“Our client is a law-abiding citizen. She will appear in court as summoned. Only institutions that disrespect the rule of law fail to honour court orders, and she’s not in that category.”
The legal team has also expressed uncertainty over whether the Federal Government plans to proceed with her formal arraignment. According to Idahosa, the prosecution has already amended the charges once, and it remains unclear if another amendment is underway.
“We don’t know. We’ve seen a notice of amended charges, but we’re unclear on what the government is planning. They’ve amended the charges once—they might do so again. That’s entirely up to them,” he said.
Who Are the Key Witnesses?
In an intriguing development, the government has listed Akpabio, Yahaya Bello, and four other unnamed individuals as key witnesses in the prosecution's case against Akpoti-Uduaghan. This suggests that the case could become a media spectacle, especially if these political heavyweights are called to testify under oath.
The inclusion of such high-profile figures adds more political drama and national significance to the case, as Nigerians eagerly watch to see how it unfolds.
Political and Social Reactions
Though the Senator’s legal team has steered clear of protests or public rallies, the case has ignited widespread discussions on social media, civil society circles, and among human rights advocates. The central questions revolve around:
-
Is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan being politically targeted?
-
Are her statements protected under freedom of speech?
-
Will this case set a precedent for how dissenting politicians are treated in Nigeria?
While some believe the charges are an attempt to silence a vocal opposition figure, others argue that public figures must be held accountable for potentially damaging statements, especially when they name names and allege criminal acts.
Background: Who Is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a prominent Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, and politician. She made headlines as the first woman to contest and win the Senatorial seat for Kogi Central. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a bold and outspoken advocate for justice, anti-corruption, and women’s rights.
Her victory in Kogi State was widely seen as a significant step for female political participation in Nigeria. However, her political career has also attracted strong opposition from entrenched interests, including figures like former Governor Yahaya Bello, with whom she has had several public clashes.
The Bigger Picture: Freedom of Speech vs. Defamation Laws
This case raises crucial legal and ethical questions about freedom of speech, especially for elected officials. Under Nigerian law, criminal defamation is still prosecutable—despite ongoing calls for its abolishment or reform to align with modern democratic standards.
Supporters of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan argue that she was simply speaking out about threats to her life—something every citizen should be able to do without fear of imprisonment. Others argue that her statements were reckless, dangerous, and potentially destabilizing if not backed by concrete evidence.
What’s Next?
As Akpoti-Uduaghan heads to court on Tuesday, Nigerians will be watching closely to see:
-
Whether the charges will be formally read (i.e., arraignment)
-
How the defense plans to challenge the evidence
-
Whether key witnesses like Akpabio and Bello will actually testify
-
If the trial sets any legal or political precedents
For now, all eyes are on the FCT High Court, as a political and legal storm continues to build around one of Nigeria’s most controversial Senators.
Conclusion
The criminal defamation case against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent Nigerian history. With big names, sensitive allegations, and critical constitutional questions at stake, this case could influence not only her political career but also the wider landscape of political speech and accountability in Nigeria.
