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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
The Federal Government has arraigned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on a three-count charge of criminal defamation.
The charges, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, alleged that the embattled Kogi Central senator made false and damaging statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
According to the prosecution, Senator Natasha had during a live interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on April 3, 2025, accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
In a separate phone conversation on March 27, she was also said to have alleged that a woman named Imoren Iniobong was killed and her organs harvested for the Senate President’s wife.
The government claims the statements were made to injure the reputations of Akpabio and Bello. Both men, alongside four other witnesses, are listed as prosecution witnesses.
At the arraignment, which attracted tight security and the presence of activists like Oby Ezekwesili and Aisha Yesufu, Senator Natasha pleaded not guilty. The case, presided over by Justice C.N. Orji, was adjourned to June 30, 2025, for further hearing.
The arraignment follows months of political tension after Senator Natasha had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, leading to her suspension from the Senate for 6 Months. The months are yet to be fully served by her.