Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Federal Government has filed a criminal suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged defamatory statements made on live television.

The suit, filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on May 16, 2025, accuses the senator representing Kogi Central of making harmful imputations against key political figures, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

According to the charges, the government claims that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly made statements that could damage the reputation of both individuals. The alleged offence is said to violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 392.

One of the key accusations stems from a live interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged a plot to assassinate her, purportedly involving Senator Akpabio and Yahaya Bello.

Quoting her remarks, the government said the senator claimed,

“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. Let’s ask the Senate President: why did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks?”

In another count, she is accused of defaming Yahaya Bello by reiterating similar claims during the same broadcast.

The Federal Government also alleges that during a private phone conversation on March 27, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan made further defamatory claims, this time involving the murder of Iniubong Umoren. She allegedly claimed the victim’s organs were used for Senator Akpabio’s wife, who was seriously ill at the time.

The case lists both Akpabio and Bello as key witnesses for the prosecution. The suit was filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.

As of now, no date has been set for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s arraignment.

The development has sparked strong public interest, as legal analysts debate the implications for freedom of expression, political accountability, and defamation law in Nigeria.