Senate President Akpabio and Former Governor Yahaya Bello to Testify in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Defamation Trial
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello are slated to testify as prosecution witnesses in the ongoing criminal defamation trial of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The trial, currently underway at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, centers on allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory statements against the two political figures during a live television broadcast.
On May 16, 2025, the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, filed criminal charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The charges stem from statements she allegedly made during a live television program on April 3, 2025, where she accused Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. The government contends that these remarks were made with the knowledge or strong reason to believe they would harm the reputations of the individuals named, constituting criminal defamation under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990 .Arise News
During the broadcast, Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly stated:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me.”
She further questioned the Senate President’s motives:
“Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks. He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. What is important to me is to stay alive, because dead men tell no tales, who is going to get justice for me?”
These statements form the crux of the prosecution’s case, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly made imputations that could harm the reputations of Akpabio and Bello.
The prosecution has listed Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello as key witnesses in the trial. Their testimonies are anticipated to provide firsthand accounts and rebuttals to the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan. The inclusion of such high-profile political figures underscores the gravity of the case and its potential implications for political discourse in Nigeria .Afrika Eyes
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of political tension. On March 6, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate over what was described as “gross misconduct” linked to a dispute over seating arrangements in the chamber involving Senate President Akpabio. The suspension and subsequent legal proceedings have further polarized opinions within the political landscape, with some viewing the actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan as politically motivated .
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In response to the charges, Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her innocence, asserting that her statements were based on genuine concerns for her safety. She has also accused the Nigerian Police Force of bias in handling her petitions against Akpabio and Bello, alleging preferential treatment in favor of the Senate President .The Nation Newspaper+2Afrika Eyes+2Observers Times+2Vanguard News+1Naija News+1
Under Nigerian law, criminal defamation is a serious offense, with convictions potentially resulting in imprisonment. The outcome of this trial could set significant precedents regarding the limits of free speech and the legal boundaries of political commentary in Nigeria. Furthermore, the involvement of high-ranking political figures as both complainants and witnesses adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings.Kogi Reports
The case has garnered widespread attention, with various stakeholders expressing divergent views. Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the potential suppression of free speech, while supporters of Akpabio and Bello argue for the protection of individual reputations against unfounded allegations. The trial’s progression is being closely monitored, as its outcome may influence future interactions between political figures and the media.
The FCT High Court is expected to continue hearings in the coming weeks, with testimonies from Akpabio and Bello anticipated to be pivotal. Legal analysts suggest that the defense will likely challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence and argue for the protection of political speech under constitutional provisions.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Akpabio and Yahaya Bello to testify at Natasha Akpoti?s defamation trial
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello have been listed as prosecution witnesses in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s criminal defamation trial, which is currently ongoing at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.The suspended senator representing Kogi Central is facing charges filed by the Federal Government, which accuses her of making defamatory statements against the two political figures during a live television appearance.
According to court filings dated May 16, Akpoti-Uduaghan is the sole defendant in the case. The prosecution alleges that her statements amount to “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
One of the core charges stems from a televised interview in which Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly accused Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. The government claims she said: “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me.”
She also allegedly questioned the Senate President’s motives, stating: “Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks. He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. What is important to me is to stay alive, because dead men tell no tales, who is going to get justice for me?”
The prosecution maintains that these remarks were made with the knowledge or strong reason to believe they would damage the reputations of the individuals named.
The case has further stirred political tensions following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6 over what was described by leadership as “gross misconduct” linked to a dispute over seating arrangements in the chamber involving Akpabio.
As the trial progresses, all eyes will be on Akpabio and Bello’s court appearances, with the potential for high-profile testimony to shape the direction of the case.
