Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, appeared at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama on Tuesday.
She is accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, along with prominent activists Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Aisha Yesufu.
The court appearance comes as the Federal Government proceeds with her arraignment over allegations of defamation and false accusation.
According to a three-count charge marked CR/297/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of falsely alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to assassinate her.
The alleged remarks were reportedly made during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.
The government claims her statements amounted to a harmful imputation capable of damaging the reputations of those involved.
She thereby violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 392.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently under a six-month Senate suspension, is the sole defendant in the case.
The charge also cites Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Bello as nominal complainants and key witnesses.
Others listed to testify include Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Sandra Duru, as well as investigating police officers Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.
The case has drawn considerable attention due to its political sensitivity and the presence of notable civil society figures at the proceedings.
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Also, the case underscores concerns about freedom of expression, political persecution, and women’s safety in public office.
