The legal representatives of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have confirmed receiving court summons in connection with the Federal Government’s defamation case against her.
They have pledged to mount a strong legal defence backed by facts and applicable legal provisions.
The case, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court and marked CR/297/25, was initiated on Friday, May 16, 2025.
It centers around statements Akpoti-Uduaghan made during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3.
The government contends her remarks were damaging and violated Section 391 of the Penal Code, which deals with making harmful imputations likely to injure another’s reputation.
The prosecution has lined up several high-profile witnesses, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, and two police officers, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
On Friday, May 23, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), acknowledged the receipt of the court documents.
The statement clarified that the summons was officially accepted on her behalf through a letter of authority filed with the court.
The legal team assured the public of their readiness to challenge the allegations vigorously in court.
“We have received the charges and will present every available factual and legal defence on behalf of our client during the proceedings,” the statement read.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from Senate proceedings on March 6 following a confrontation with Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements.
She has maintained that her suspension was politically motivated and intended to suppress her voice, especially after she made sexual harassment claims against a prominent figure in the chamber.
In the aftermath, the senator submitted several petitions, including one accusing Akpabio of orchestrating an assassination plot against her.
In response, Akpabio lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector-General of Police, urging an investigation into the lawmaker for what he described as false allegations and attempts to incite public unrest.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello also filed a petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging she falsely implicated him in a conspiracy to eliminate her under the pretense of a random violent attack.
The court proceedings are expected to draw national attention as they pit key political figures against one another in a contentious legal battle.