Criminal Defamation: FG Drags Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Court Over Live TV Remarks

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appears in court over allegations of criminal defamation after an explosive TV interview.

The Nigerian Federal Government has officially filed a criminal lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The move comes after her controversial comments during a live broadcast on Channels Television, which the government alleges are defamatory and damaging to the reputation of certain political figures.

The criminal case, registered as CR/297/25, was filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stands as the sole defendant in the suit.

The charges against the senator stem from a heated interview on Channels Television’s political program, Politics Today, aired on April 3, 2025. During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made statements that the federal government claims were defamatory and likely to incite public unrest.
According to court documents, the government accuses the senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.” This accusation falls under Section 391 of the Nigerian Penal Code and is punishable under Section 392, which addresses criminal defamation.
The case has drawn even more attention due to the high-profile names involved. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello are named in court records as nominal complainants and are expected to testify as key prosecution witnesses.
Other listed witnesses include
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
Sandra Duru
Maya Iliya (Police Investigator)
Abdulhafiz Garba (Police Investigator)
Their testimonies are expected to provide critical insight into the events leading up to and following the televised interview.

This lawsuit is the latest development in what has been a turbulent political journey for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Prior to the lawsuit, she had been suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, over what the Senate leadership described as gross misconduct. The suspension followed a dramatic confrontation on the Senate floor involving Senate President Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, did not take the suspension lying down. She dismissed the Senate’s decision as unlawful and politically motivated, stating publicly that the move was part of a larger effort to silence her. She also insisted that the action was closely tied to her earlier allegations of sexual harassment within the Senate, which she believes triggered backlash from the leadership.

In the weeks that followed her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated the political drama by filing several formal petitions against key political figures, including Senate President Akpabio.
Among the most shocking allegations was her claim that Akpabio conspired to have her assassinated. According to her, the plan was to make the killing appear as though it was the result of a mob attack outside Abuja.
She didn’t stop there. Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused former Governor Yahaya Bello of playing a central role in the alleged conspiracy. She claimed Bello not only supported her recall campaign but also funded a plot to eliminate her, allegedly on instructions from Akpabio.
These explosive claims quickly circulated in the media, igniting public debate and raising concerns about the state of democracy, justice, and political rivalry in Nigeria.Labour Party Distances Itself from Baba-Ahmed’s Comments on Tinubu

The Government’s Counteraction
In response to the senator’s allegations, Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. In their petition, they demanded that Akpoti-Uduaghan be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted for
Criminal defamation
False accusations
Incitement
Conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace
Their complaint urged law enforcement to take swift and decisive action to preserve the integrity of public office and ensure that political discourse does not deteriorate into chaos.

Legal and Political Implications
The implications of this case stretch far beyond Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political career. This lawsuit raises critical questions about:
Freedom of speech vs. defamation in Nigeria's democratic space
The limits of parliamentary immunity
The power dynamics between male-dominated Senate leadership and vocal female politicians
Political accountability and justice in Nigeria
Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent in how politicians are held accountable for public statements, particularly in an era where live broadcasts and digital media amplify political discourse in real time.

Human rights organizations and civil society groups have been closely watching the case. Some advocacy groups argue that the charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan may be an attempt to intimidate dissenting voices, particularly women in politics who challenge the status quo.
Others believe the government is well within its rights to pursue legal action if defamatory or false statements were indeed made, especially when such comments could potentially threaten public peace or endanger individuals.
Online, the case has sparked mixed reactions. While some Nigerians view Akpoti-Uduaghan as a courageous whistleblower, others see her approach as reckless and inflammatory. Either way, her voice has undeniably brought national attention to issues that often go unspoken in Nigerian politics.

The case is expected to come up for a preliminary hearing in the coming weeks. Legal analysts say it could take months before a judgment is delivered, given the high-profile nature of the case and the number of witnesses involved.
For now, all eyes remain on Abuja as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan prepares to face the court, standing by her claims while insisting that the charges are a political witch-hunt designed to silence her.

By Primelineinfo