Senator Natasha faces defamation charges over comments on Akpabio

Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is facing a three-count charge filed by the Federal Government through the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The charges stem from allegations that the senator made statements that could damage the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to the Federal Government, the statements attributed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were made with the intent to harm Senator Akpabio’s reputation—allegations she has yet to respond to publicly in detail.

In a public statement released by her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, the charges were officially received around 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

The legal team confirmed that it had accepted the court filings on the senator’s behalf based on a letter of authority issued by her and filed in the court registry.

“The legal team would adequately prepare all factual and statutory defences available to our client and place same before the court during trial,” the statement read. “We count on the prayers and solidarity of all.”

This case comes amid broader controversies involving the senator, including a recent suspension from Senate proceedings and separate defamation suits filed by the wife of the Senate President.