Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, appeared today at the Federal High Court in Abuja for a fresh arraignment on charges bordering on alleged defamation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The senator arrived at the court in the company of her husband, well-known activist Aisha Yesufu, supporters, and her legal team. This marks the second time she is being arraigned over similar allegations, following an earlier appearance on June 19 at the FCT High Court.
Justice Mohammed Umar is presiding over the proceedings at the Federal High Court.
At the last hearing, the prosecution sought the court’s approval to issue a bench warrant against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for failing to appear. However, Justice Umar declined the request after it was revealed that the charges were only served on her counsel the same morning, right inside the courtroom. The judge ruled that since the senator had not previously received a hearing notice, she could not have been expected to appear.
According to the federal government’s charge sheet, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged during a live television interview that both Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello were allegedly plotting to have her assassinated.
The case, initiated by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, is centered on claims of defamation and is drawing significant attention nationwide.
