The Federal Government has initiated a criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, over alleged defamatory remarks made during a live television interview. The case, filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court under case number CR/297/25, lists Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant. The charges fall under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code, which address criminal defamation and harm to reputation.

The government's witness list includes Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, both named as nominal complainants. Other witnesses are Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Dr. Sandra Duru, and two police investigators, ACP Maya Iliya and SP Abdulhafiz Garba.

The allegations stem from comments made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on April 3, 2025. She accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting her assassination and orchestrating efforts to recall her from the Senate. Both Akpabio and Bello have denied these allegations and petitioned the Inspector-General of Police for a full investigation and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation and incitement.

This legal action follows a series of confrontations between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, including her suspension from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged gross misconduct. She has described the suspension as unlawful and politically motivated.