Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the arraignment of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Tuesday, June 3, 2025. This development follows criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government, stemming from allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Arraignment Date Set: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is to be arraigned on June 3, 2025, over criminal defamation charges.
- Allegations Involved: The charges relate to her claims that Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello plotted to assassinate her.
- Legal Proceedings: The case is filed under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, addressing defamation.
- Witnesses Listed: Akpabio and Bello are among the key witnesses slated to testify.
- Senator’s Response: Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed readiness to defend herself, citing a lack of prior notification about the charges.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 3, 2025, for the arraignment of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The charges, filed under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, pertain to alleged defamatory statements she made during a live television interview, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate in March 2025 following allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, claims she was unaware of the charges until she saw them reported in the news. She has vowed to counter the charges with factual and statutory defenses, asserting that the legal actions against her are attempts to intimidate and silence her.
Her legal team has also raised concerns about selective justice, noting that while the government has proceeded with charges against her, several petitions she filed alleging threats to her life and other offenses remain unaddressed.
🎥 Watch the News Coverage:
💬 Top Comments from X (Twitter):
@NaijaObserver: “This is a test of our justice system. Will the truth prevail?”
@LegalEagleNG: “Defamation laws should protect reputations, not suppress dissent.”
@WomensVoiceNG: “Standing with Senator Natasha. Speaking out shouldn’t lead to prosecution.”
@KogiCitizen: “Our senator deserves a fair hearing. Justice must be blind.”
@DemocracyWatch: “Selective justice erodes public trust. All petitions should be treated equally.”
#BreakingNews: Here is the picture of the day from one and only Senator @NatashaAkpoti .
— VibeNewsNG🇳🇬 (@VibeNewsNG) May 29, 2025
Let's celebrate her 2 years in Naija way.. "Beauty nah water' its plenty..🤣👇 pic.twitter.com/FQgN4wetDJ
The upcoming arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political and legal landscape. As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about freedom of expression, the treatment of whistleblowers, and the impartiality of the justice system. The proceedings on June 3 will be closely watched by citizens and observers alike, eager to see how justice is administered in this high-profile case.
Sources: Legit.ng
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