The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday dismissed a request by the federal government seeking to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The case stems from allegations of defamation brought against her on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
When the matter was mentioned in court, prosecuting lawyer D.D. Kasue informed the presiding judge that the defendant had failed to show up for her arraignment despite being notified of the charge.
Kasue argued that the charge had been served through her legal representative and urged the court to issue a bench warrant.
“It was this morning that we were able to serve the defendant through her counsel, but the defendant is not in court.
“So, it means the defendant is aware of this matter but decided not to appear in court,” Kasue submitted.
“In light of this, I apply that a bench warrant be issued against her for failure to attend court to take her plea in this criminal charge.”
However, Ms Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Jacob Usman, objected strongly, labeling the application as inappropriate and unwarranted.
He said he had only received the charge earlier that morning in court and his client had not yet seen it.
“I was served the charge at 9:15 this morning here in court, so how will the defendant know that the matter is coming up when she has not seen the charge?” he argued.
“I find the application strange, and it should be dishonoured; if the defendant has not been served, she cannot be in court.”
Justice Musa Umar agreed with the defence and declined the federal government’s request.
He noted that it would be unjust to issue a bench warrant when the defendant had not personally received the court summons.
Instead, the court approved a substituted service of the charge via her lawyer and adjourned the arraignment to June 30, 2025.
The matter arises from remarks made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live broadcast on Channels Television on April 3, 2025, where she allegedly made defamatory statements accusing Akpabio and Bello of plotting her assassination.