Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, will appear in court on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, following a federal summons linked to criminal defamation allegations. Her legal team, led by renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) West Idahosa, confirmed she will honor the court’s directive despite uncertainties over the Federal Government’s readiness to formally arraign her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing charges filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, for alleged defamatory statements made during a live television interview and a private conversation. The statements are believed to have been directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, both of whom are reportedly central to the charges.
Idahosa emphasized the senator’s respect for the rule of law, describing her as a law-abiding citizen determined to respond appropriately. “She will be in court as required. We have acknowledged the summons and are ready to present our defense,” he said, adding that there remains uncertainty over whether the arraignment will proceed as scheduled.
The senator’s legal team also dismissed any involvement with planned protests. “That is not our domain. We are legal practitioners focused solely on the defence of our client. Civil protests fall within the realm of civil society,” Idahosa noted.
In a separate statement issued by her counsel, Uju Nwoduwu, the legal team accused federal authorities of selective justice. The lawyers alleged that while Akpoti-Uduaghan is being prosecuted, over a dozen petitions she personally submitted between March and May 2025 have been ignored by Nigerian security agencies. The petitions reportedly cover serious allegations including cyberstalking, death threats, defamation, and even an assassination attempt involving high-profile political actors.
“There’s growing public concern over the lack of response to Senator Natasha’s 12 official petitions, particularly when compared to the speed at which counter-allegations by individuals she accused, such as Akpabio and Yahaya Bello have been acted upon,” the statement read. The team described the situation as a “glaring disparity” and a troubling reflection of uneven justice in Nigeria.
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One particularly disturbing incident allegedly overlooked by law enforcement involved the abduction and attempted assassination of one of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s protocol officers, an incident her team insists should have prompted immediate investigation.
Despite currently being out of the country for personal reasons, Akpoti-Uduaghan has received official notification of the charges and has expressed her readiness to return to Nigeria for the arraignment. Her lawyers stated that she remains fully committed to due process and will not evade legal proceedings.
“The criminal charges brought against our client raise serious concerns, not just about the evidence but about the timing and the apparent political undertones,” Nwoduwu said. “We are calling for a fair and impartial investigation into all pending petitions. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.”
