The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted a criminal case against suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over accusations she made during a televised interview on April 3, 2025, alleging an assassination plot involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The suit, registered as case number CR/297/25, was filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is the sole defendant in the matter.
Prosecutors claim her statements fall under the purview of criminal defamation, citing Section 391 of the Penal Code and its corresponding punishment under Section 392. According to the charge, the senator is accused of making damaging imputations with knowledge that such remarks could injure the reputations of those named.
The government insists her allegations—specifically implicating Akpabio and Bello in a purported assassination plot—were not only unfounded but crafted to deliberately harm their public images. The case emerges in the wake of a strained relationship between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, following previous allegations she made against Senate President Akpabio, including claims of sexual misconduct.
While the Attorney General’s office describes her remarks as irresponsible and politically charged, the senator stands by her assertions, arguing they were made in the public interest and represent a whistleblowing effort rather than defamation.
Legal experts are now keeping a close eye on what is likely to be a politically sensitive and highly publicized courtroom battle. As of now, no date has been fixed for the trial to begin.
Echezona Okafor.
