233
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigerian government has officially filed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following allegations she made during a live television interview, where she claimed Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to assassinate her.
The case has been filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant, with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
The government asserts that the senator made statements “knowing or having reason to believe” they would damage reputations, an offense punishable under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code.
The charges specifically relate to an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on April 3, 2025.
During the interview, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan declared, “I stand by what I said. Akpabio met with Yahaya Bello to eliminate me… Why did he withdraw my security if not to make me vulnerable? I’ve faced violent, dangerous politics since 2018, and I’ve always had security.”
Since Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension by the Nigerian Senate on March 6, 2025, the legislative body, and particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has faced a barrage of accusations and legal challenges.
Her suspension, which stemmed from alleged gross misconduct and public statements that brought the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium,” has ignited a storm of controversy.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio, which he denies, preceded her suspension. Following her suspension, she intensified her claims, alleging a coordinated smear campaign against her and accusing Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting her assassination.
These allegations have led to a criminal defamation suit filed against her by the Nigerian government, with Akpabio and Bello listed as key witnesses.
The ongoing disputes have kept the Senate and its leadership in the spotlight, with accusations and counter-accusations frequently dominating headlines.