Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Thursday made a dramatic appearance at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, as she faces explosive criminal defamation charges brought by the Federal Government.
Arriving in the company of her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan—a former governorship candidate—the embattled lawmaker was spotted entering the courtroom at exactly 10:30 am, ahead of the 11:00 am session presided over by Justice C.N. Oji. Her arrival drew intense media attention and a flurry of activity, as the courthouse was locked down by a heavy presence of armed police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The high-stakes case, marked CR/297/25, was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government. It accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making deeply defamatory and dangerous allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charges stem from statements allegedly made by the senator during a live appearance on Channels Television and a subsequent public address in April 2025. According to court filings, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio urged Bello to orchestrate her assassination in Kogi State so it would appear as a “local incident.”
In chilling detail, the charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, quotes her as stating:
> “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to ensure my killing is done in Kogi, so it appears like a local issue.”
The Federal Government has also filed a separate three-count criminal charge against her—suit number CR/1277/25—further intensifying the legal storm she faces. The combined charges include cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and defamation under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. If convicted, the senator could face a lengthy prison term and other severe penalties.
Offering quiet but resolute support, Emmanuel Uduaghan stood firmly by his wife’s side throughout the tense proceedings.
Also in the courtroom was former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, who appeared in a strong show of solidarity for Senator Natasha. Her presence underscored the political weight and growing national attention surrounding the case, which some critics have labeled a politically motivated witch hunt.
The court is expected to rule on the senator’s bail application as proceedings continue.
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