Natasha’s legal team acknowledges FG’s lawsuit, vows to mount robust defence

The legal representatives of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central have confirmed receiving a court filing from the Federal Government, which names the senator in a case linked to allegations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr Ehiogie West-Idahosa, issued a statement on Saturday, expressing readiness to respond through the judicial process while also soliciting public support.

“At about 2:30pm on Friday, the 23rd of May, 2025, in the premises of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, we received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP containing three counts bordering on allegations that our client, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made imputations which she had reason to believe will harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We received the said information on behalf of our client upon a letter of authority duly issued by her and filed in the Registry of the said Court.

“The Legal team would adequately prepare all factual and statutory defences available to our client and place same before the Court during trial. We count on the prayers and solidarity of all,” the statement read.

The charges, filed on May 16, stem from alleged defamatory remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised appearance. The prosecution cites Section 391 of the Penal Code, CAP 89, Laws of the Federation 1990, which addresses harmful imputations, with penalties outlined in Section 392.

Among the witnesses named by the Federal Government are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The case follows a series of public allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan, including claims that Akpabio and Bello conspired to have her assassinated. These claims were made after her suspension from the Senate over a dispute regarding sitting arrangements—an action she challenged.

She subsequently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and petitioned both the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, calling for investigations into the matter.