Cynthia Ezegwu
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has challenged the criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government, describing the case as an attempt to silence opposition voices.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing a six-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, filed preliminary objections on Monday, questioning the jurisdiction of the courts and the authority of the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute what she called “a private defamation matter.”
The senator, an outspoken critic of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, was arraigned on June 20 following petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Bello over comments she allegedly made during a public gathering in Kogi and a television interview. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition.
Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN; Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN; J.J. Usman, SAN; and M.J. Numa, SAN—argued that the charges were unconstitutional, frivolous, and politically motivated. They maintained that defamation is a civil matter and warned that criminalising public commentary amounted to intimidation and suppression of free speech.
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The defence also accused authorities of selective justice, claiming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions over alleged threats to her life were ignored while charges against her were “hastily pursued.”
The case centres on her claim that Akpabio allegedly instructed Bello to eliminate her in Kogi State, remarks prosecutors say were false, malicious, and capable of inciting violence.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the matter to October 20 following objections raised by her counsel.