Paragraph 1: The Alleged Defamation and Court Appearance
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, found herself at the center of a legal battle, facing charges of defamation brought forth by the Federal Government. The charges stemmed from statements she allegedly made against prominent political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on the designated date to be arraigned on these charges. The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the Senator awaited the arrival of the presiding judge, the weight of the impending proceedings hanging heavy in the air. The case, marked CR/297/25, was initiated by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Paragraph 2: The Allegations Against Akpabio and Bello
The core of the allegations against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan revolved around claims she purportedly made during a live television interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on April 3, 2025. The Senator allegedly accused Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. More specifically, she alleged that Bello and Akpabio had plotted her death, with the plan to make it appear as a local attack or an incident of mob violence within Kogi State. This accusation was particularly potent due to her claim that Akpabio had withdrawn her security detail, leaving her vulnerable to such an attack. She further alleged that Akpabio had explicitly instructed that she be killed in Kogi State, a detail which added a layer of chilling premeditation to the accusation.
Paragraph 3: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Fear for Her Life and Pursuit of Justice
During the televised interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her deep concern for her safety, emphasizing the importance of remaining alive to pursue justice. Her statement, "What is important to me is to stay alive because dead men tell no tales. Who is going to get justice for me?", underscores her perceived threat level and her determination to hold those responsible accountable. This statement, along with her allegations of a conspiracy, formed the basis of the defamation charges against her. The Federal Government contended that these statements were not only false but also intended to tarnish the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello.
Paragraph 4: The Specific Accusations and the Federal Government’s Stance
The Federal Government, in its charge sheet, meticulously detailed the alleged defamatory imputations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. They argued that she made these statements knowingly or recklessly, fully aware of the potential damage they could inflict on the reputations of the individuals involved. The charge sheet quoted her directly, citing her questions about the withdrawal of her security detail and her assertion that Akpabio and Bello had discussed her elimination. The Federal Government emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan had reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State. This meticulous documentation of the alleged statements served to strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Paragraph 5: The Allegation Concerning Inimobong Umoren’s Death
In addition to the allegations involving the conspiracy to assassinate her, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faced another charge relating to statements she allegedly made about the death of Inimobong Umoren. During a telephone conversation with Sandra C. Duru on March 27, 2025, she allegedly claimed that Umoren’s organs were harvested for the benefit of Akpabio’s wife. This accusation linked Akpabio to a gruesome crime, further adding to the potential damage to his reputation. The Federal Government argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan knew, or ought to have known, that this claim would harm Akpabio’s standing. This separate allegation introduced a new dimension to the defamation case, expanding its scope and complexity.
Paragraph 6: Witnesses and the Impending Trial
As the legal proceedings commenced, both Akpabio and Bello, along with four other individuals, were listed as witnesses for the prosecution. Their testimonies would play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the trial. The stage was set for a high-profile legal battle, with the Senator facing serious charges and the reputations of powerful political figures hanging in the balance. The trial promised to be a closely watched affair, with the potential to have significant ramifications for all parties involved. The presence of prominent figures as witnesses further amplified the public interest in the case.
