Alleged defamation: Court fixes date for Senator Natasha’s arraignment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 19, 2025, for the arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing charges of alleged defamation.

The case, filed by the Federal Government, stems from comments the senator reportedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The arraignment was initially set for June 3 but had to be postponed due to procedural delays.

While details of the alleged defamatory statements remain under legal scrutiny, sources say the charges followed petitions from Akpabio and Bello, who both claimed the senator’s remarks were injurious to their reputations.

READ ALSO: Appeal Court strikes out Akpabio’s motions, fines him in favour of Natasha

Despite the legal battle ahead, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her composure and expressed strong confidence in the judicial process. “I believe that truth will always prevail,” she stated in response to the case.

Meanwhile, civic groups and civil society organizations have raised concerns over the credibility of the prosecution, questioning the role of an alleged fugitive, Duru, in the proceedings.

They have called on the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to clarify why Duru, who is reportedly evading arrest, is being used to prosecute a sitting senator.