A former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, alongside prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, was present at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama on Wednesday for the arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is facing trial over allegations of defamation and false information. She arrived at the court at approximately 10:27 a.m., accompanied by her husband and legal team, amid heavy security presence. Justice Chizoba Orji is presiding over the matter, with proceedings scheduled to begin by 11 a.m.
The lawmaker is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on a three-count charge marked CR/297/25. The charge alleges that she made false and defamatory statements during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of orchestrating a plot to assassinate her.
According to the prosecution, the comments amount to criminal defamation under Section 391 of the Penal Code, and are punishable under Section 392. The charges claim Senator Natasha made those statements “knowing or having reason to believe” they would damage the reputations of those mentioned.
The case has drawn significant public attention, especially as Akpabio and Bello are listed as key witnesses, alongside two police investigators, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Sandra Duru.
This development comes shortly after Senator Natasha, who is currently under a six-month suspension by the Senate, wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation, accusing police of bias in handling her initial petitions against the Senate President.
Her suspension stemmed from a heated exchange during the February 20 plenary, where she protested a sudden change to her seat. After being repeatedly overruled by Akpabio while attempting to raise a point of order, her case was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee. Days later, on February 28, she alleged during a television interview that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected alleged inappropriate advances from Akpabio.
Senator Natasha has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to nullify any disciplinary actions taken by the Senate while her suit is pending. The court has fixed June 27 to rule on the legality of her suspension.
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