Nigerian Government Charges Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with Defamation Over Assassination Claim
- Victor Nwoko
- May 23
- 1 min read
The Nigerian government has filed defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her public allegation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to have her killed.
In April, Akpoti-Uduaghan made the explosive claim during a televised interview, stating there had been “discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello... to eliminate me.” Both Akpabio and Bello have categorically denied the accusation.
The Attorney General of the Federation has now brought the case before Nigeria’s High Court, arguing that the senator's statements were not only unfounded but also injurious to the reputations of both political figures. The charges cite her remarks during the televised interview as the basis of the alleged defamation.
Weeks prior to the assassination allegation, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment — a charge he has also denied. Shortly after those claims, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months without pay. The Senate's ethics committee attributed the suspension to what it described as her “unruly and disruptive” conduct during a debate, though many of her supporters believe it was retaliation for her accusations against Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to issue a public response to the defamation charges.
The legal battle underscores deepening political tensions within Nigeria’s legislative branch, raising broader questions about freedom of expression, accountability, and power dynamics in Nigerian politics.
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