Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday following a summons over a controversial defamation case that has sparked national debate about selective justice and political persecution.
Her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), confirmed the development on Sunday, stating unequivocally that the embattled senator would honour the court’s directive, despite lingering uncertainty surrounding the Federal Government’s plans for formal arraignment.
> “She will be in court as a law-abiding citizen,” Idahosa declared. “Whether the arraignment proceeds or not is at the discretion of the prosecution, but we will be there to defend our client.”
The Federal Government, acting through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, has filed criminal charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of making allegedly defamatory statements during a live television interview and in a private phone conversation. The purported targets of these remarks include Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
While the exact nature of the comments remains undisclosed to the public, sources suggest they may have touched on sensitive political issues involving corruption, abuse of power, and governance malpractice—further intensifying public interest in the case.
Idahosa reiterated that his legal team is prepared to mount a vigorous defense.
> “If the case is called tomorrow, we’ll be present and respond appropriately,” he said. “Our focus is the law, not the politics or protests swirling around the case. That’s for civil society. We’re committed to justice, not theatrics.”
Dismissing concerns about his client’s availability, the Senior Advocate added,
> “Our client is a responsible, law-abiding Nigerian. She has acknowledged the summons. Only those who disrespect the judiciary would ignore such a directive—she is not one of them.”
The looming court appearance comes amid growing criticism from human rights advocates and legal observers who accuse the Federal Government of wielding prosecutorial powers selectively. The senator’s legal team, in a scathing statement signed by Uju Nwoduwu, pointed out that while Akpoti-Uduaghan now faces swift legal action, her own petitions—a staggering 12 in total—filed between March and May 2025 have been completely ignored.
These petitions, addressed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, include serious allegations ranging from cyberstalking, defamation, threats to life, to an assassination attempt. Despite the gravity of the claims and the high-profile individuals involved, including sitting and former officials, there has been no official response, no investigation, and no accountability.
“There is a legitimate public expectation that law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies uphold the principles of fairness, due process, and equal justice—regardless of who is involved,” Nwoduwu stated.
The legal team condemned what they described as “a glaring disparity” in the handling of allegations—pointing out that while counter-claims made by Akpabio and Bello were quickly acted upon, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions remain in bureaucratic limbo.
> “This raises disturbing questions about the politicisation of justice in Nigeria,” Nwoduwu continued. “Some of the unresolved petitions involve attempted murder and the abduction of a government protocol officer. These are not trivial matters.”
Although Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently outside the country on personal business, she has officially acknowledged receipt of the court summons and confirmed through her lawyers that she will return promptly to face trial.
> “She remains unwavering in her belief in the rule of law,” the legal team stressed. “Her willingness to appear before the court is a testament to that commitment.”
The statement also praised members of the public and civil society for their support, describing the criminal charges as “extraordinarily questionable” and possibly orchestrated to silence dissenting voices within the political landscape.
As Nigeria watches closely, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s court appearance may prove to be more than just a defamation trial—it could become a litmus test for the nation’s judicial integrity and its commitment to equal justice under the law.
PIONEER NEWS 