The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially filed a criminal defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The case, marked CR/297/25, was initiated on May 16, 2025, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. It stems from a series of controversial statements made by Senator Natasha during a televised interview, where she accused top political figures of orchestrating a plot to assassinate her.
Central to the prosecution’s case are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, both listed as key witnesses and nominal complainants. During her appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025, Senator Natasha alleged that the two men conspired to end her life and claimed that Akpabio’s wife had connections to an organ harvesting ring. These accusations have been described by the Federal Government as baseless and gravely defamatory.
The charges are grounded in Sections 391 and 392 of the Nigerian Penal Code, which deal with criminal defamation and harm to reputation. According to court documents, the prosecution believes that Senator Natasha acted with full knowledge that her statements could seriously damage the reputation and public standing of the individuals she named. In addition to Akpabio and Bello, witnesses lined up for the case include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, public figure Sandra Duru, and two police investigators.
This legal action comes amid growing political tension surrounding Senator Natasha. Earlier in March 2025, she was suspended from the Senate following accusations of misconduct. She has maintained that the suspension was politically motivated and a reaction to her bold accusations of sexual harassment within the Senate leadership. The defamation suit is seen by her supporters as a continuation of political persecution, while her critics argue that she must be held accountable for inflammatory public statements.
The court has directed that efforts be intensified to ensure Senator Natasha is properly served with court papers, as she was absent at the first hearing. Justice C.N. Oji adjourned the matter pending her appearance. The case is already drawing national attention, not only for its high-profile cast but also for its implications on freedom of speech, the limits of parliamentary privilege, and the boundaries of political expression in Nigeria’s democratic space.
