Ahead of the expected arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Government, her lawyers say they are prepared to present factual evidence in her defence.
The legal team said this while confirming receiving the summons filed against the suspended Kogi Central Senator by the Federal Government at the Federal Capital Territory High Court last week.
NATIONAL POST reports that the suit hinges on Natasha’s claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello were plotting to kill her.
The allegation considered as defamatory was made by the female Senator during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.
Consequently, on May 16, 2025, the Federal Government filed the suit, marked CR/297/25, for criminal defamation.
Both Akpabio and Bello earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police over Natasha’s allegations.
The government has now accused the senator of “making 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 Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Others include Asuquo Ekpenyong, a senator; Sandra Duru; Maya Iliya, investigating police officers; and Abdulhafiz Garba, investigating police officers.
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 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, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, made imputations she had reason to believe would harm the reputation of Senator 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 stated.
Natasha has been involved in a controversy after she accused the Senate President of sexually harassing her.
The allegation was made after her seating position was changed in the Senate. She refused to move despite entreaties from some of her colleagues.
Thereafter, she was suspended and the conflict has escalated ever since.