Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for a second arraignment in an ongoing defamation battle involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The lawmaker arrived at the court alongside her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, and a group of loyal supporters.
Justice Mohammed Umar is presiding over the case, which follows a related charge previously filed earlier this month. On June 19, 2025, Senator Natasha had faced similar accusations at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
At the prior hearing, the court dismissed the Federal Government’s request for a bench warrant against the senator after her absence. Government counsel David Kaswe admitted that the charges were only served on her lawyer that same morning inside the courtroom.
Justice Umar ruled that since Akpoti-Uduaghan had not been properly served before the session, it was unjustifiable to expect her presence, and therefore rejected the prosecution’s bid for her arrest.
The case arises from statements reportedly made by Senator Natasha during a live television interview, where she alleged that Akpabio and Bello conspired to have her assassinated.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, is prosecuting the case, alleging defamation.
