The Federal Government has arraigned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on a three-count charge of criminal defamation, following allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The arraignment took place on Thursday before Justice Chizoba Orji at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. Security was tight around the court premises, but notable Nigerians including activist Aisha Yesufu, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and the senator’s husband were present to show support.
The charges stem from a television interview and a phone conversation in which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly claimed that Akpabio and Bello plotted to have her assassinated. In one of the statements cited by the prosecution, she was quoted as saying:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me… He then emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”
The Federal Government alleges that these statements were defamatory and intended to injure the reputation of both men, in violation of Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. A third count refers to a private phone conversation with one Sandra C. Duru, in which the senator reportedly repeated the claims.
Civil Society Council Issues Advisory
In response to the growing political tension surrounding the case, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) issued a formal advisory urging restraint and discouraging political interference in the judicial process.
“This matter has regrettably become over-politicized… our objective is to call for restraint by all stakeholders, state and non-state actors alike,” the council stated.
Highlighting that the case is already before a competent court, the council warned against actions or statements that could undermine the judicial process:
“It is therefore highly prejudicial for anyone to make pronouncements that may preempt the judicial outcome or mislead public opinion.”
The group also cautioned against planned protests, warning that they could escalate existing tensions in a country already grappling with insecurity:
“Given Nigeria’s current fragile state… any protest risks being hijacked and leading to disorder or destruction. We firmly advise against mobilizations that could result in a breakdown of law and order.”
In the advisory, the council further called for an out-of-court resolution where possible, and urged national figures to avoid inflammatory remarks that might deepen divisions.
The trial is attracting national attention, not just for its legal implications, but also as a test of democratic values. Critics of the case argue that it raises serious concerns about free speech, political accountability, and the use of defamation laws against elected officials.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously claimed she is being targeted for speaking truth to power. She has also alleged that Senate leadership and political actors are behind moves to sponsor fake constituents to recall her from office.
Despite the controversy, the National Civil Society Council emphasized that due process must be respected:
“We are not saying protest is not a right; we are only saying that all parties must think long-term and act in the national interest. Let the courts decide, not the streets.”
