Court Fixes June 30 for Arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Defamation Suit
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2025, for the arraignment of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in a criminal defamation case filed against her by the Federal Government.
The case, instituted on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, stems from comments allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live television appearance on April 3, 2025.
She is accused of making damaging allegations, including claims of an assassination plot against her by the two political figures.
When the matter came up for arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Mr. D.D Kasue, informed the court that the defendant was absent despite being aware of the charges.
He noted that the charge had been served through her lawyer earlier that morning and urged the court to issue a bench warrant for her arrest.
Read Also: Akpabio’s Lawyer Raises Concerns Over Inconsistencies in Sexual Harassment Allegations
However, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Mr. Jacob Usman, SAN, challenged the application, explaining that he only received the charge at 9:15 a.m. on the premises of the court and that his client had no prior notice of the proceedings.
“My client cannot be expected to appear in court for arraignment when she has not been personally served or notified. The application for a bench warrant is premature and unjustified,” Usman argued.
Justice Musa Umar agreed with the defence, stating that it would be improper to issue a bench warrant in the absence of evidence of proper service on the defendant.
The court dismissed the application and instead granted an order for substituted service through the defence counsel.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 30 for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s arraignment.
