Natasha to be arraigned June 19 over alleged defamation

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 19, 2025, for the arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in a case filed by the Federal Government over alleged defamation.

The charges stem from statements the senator allegedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Originally scheduled for June 3, the arraignment was postponed due to procedural delays.

While the precise nature of the alleged defamatory remarks remains under legal review, sources suggest that the case was triggered by petitions filed by both Akpabio and Bello, who claim that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments damaged their reputations.

In the face of mounting legal pressure, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has stood her ground and expressed faith in the judicial system. “I believe that truth will always prevail,” she said in a brief statement responding to the developments.

However, the prosecution has sparked controversy, with several civil society organizations and civic groups questioning its credibility. Their concerns center on the reported involvement of a man named Duru, who is allegedly on the run from law enforcement but is still being used in the prosecution process.

Activists have called on the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to clarify Duru’s role and explain why a fugitive is allegedly aiding the prosecution of a sitting senator.