Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has denied any wrongdoing following fresh criminal charges filed against her by the Nigerian government, stating that she only became aware of the cases through social media before instructing her legal team to act swiftly.
In a statement shared via her verified Facebook page on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that two separate charges had been brought against her at the instance of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The senator explained that she immediately directed her lawyer, J.J. Usman (SAN), to verify and receive the court documents. Usman was served with the processes on Monday at 9:18 a.m. Despite this, the prosecuting counsel reportedly requested a bench warrant for her arrest — a move strongly resisted by her legal team. The court, acknowledging the fresh service of charges, declined the request for her arrest.
“Without being served with the charge, but upon reading about it on social media, I sent my lawyer to the court to collect the documents so we could appear in court. Thankfully, the court refused to grant a bench warrant after recognising that I was only just served this morning,” she stated.
She confirmed that she will appear before the FCT High Court on June 19, 2025, and the Federal High Court on June 30, 2025, for arraignment.
The two cases are:
- Charge No. FCT/CR/297/2025: Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the FCT High Court.
- Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025: Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court.
Earlier reports had revealed that the Federal Government filed a six-count charge against Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged cyberstalking and defamation. The accusations stem from public statements she made during a political address on April 1, 2025, and a live interview on Channels TV on April 3, 2025.
In those statements, she allegedly claimed that Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Bello discussed plans to have her assassinated, with Akpabio purportedly urging Bello to carry out the plan in Kogi State to make it seem like a local affair.
The government alleges that these comments constitute a criminal act under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and that her actions were intended to damage reputations and provoke public unrest.
In addition to the cybercrime case, the Federal Government had also filed an earlier three-count criminal charge (Charge No. CR/1277/25) before Justice C.N. Oji of the FCT High Court, accusing her of criminal defamation under the Penal Code.
Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the charges, calling them unconstitutional and a threat to free speech. According to him, public figures should address alleged defamation through civil libel cases, not criminal prosecution.
“The attempt to criminalise criticism of public officials is undemocratic and contrary to the principles of freedom of expression enshrined in our constitution,” Falana said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by West Idahosa (SAN), has affirmed her commitment to appear in court and defend herself. “Our client is a law-abiding citizen. Why wouldn’t she be there? It’s a summons we have undertaken,” Idahosa said.
The unfolding legal battle has attracted significant public attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the broader implications for political expression and human rights in Nigeria.
