Federal Government Files Criminal Defamation Charges Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally filed a three-count criminal charge against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defaming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The charges were filed through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and are contained in suit number CR/1277/25, currently pending before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to the charge sheet, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is alleged to have made defamatory statements that, according to the prosecution, were intended to damage the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello. While the exact details of the statements have not been disclosed publicly, the Federal Government claims the remarks contravened provisions of the Nigerian criminal code relating to defamation and incitement.

The filing of these charges has stirred public interest given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s active political profile and the high-ranking status of the alleged victims. Legal observers note that the case could test the boundaries between freedom of expression and criminal liability for defamation in Nigeria’s democratic context.

Further details regarding the court date and specific charges are expected to emerge in the coming days.