Nigeria Slams Natasha with Criminal Charges Over Allegations Against Akpabio, Bello

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a three-count charge of criminal defamation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of making damaging and unsubstantiated claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The charges, filed through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, were brought before Justice C.N. Oji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court under suit number CR/1277/25.

Filed by the Department of Public Prosecutions, the charges stem from comments made by the senator during a televised interview and a private phone conversation. The prosecution argues that these remarks violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and are punishable under Section 392.

In the first count, the FG alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025, accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her. She claimed that the withdrawal of her security details following her suspension from the Senate was a deliberate ploy to leave her vulnerable.

The second count relates to further remarks made during the same interview, in which she alleged that the planned attack was to be carried out in Kogi State under the watch of former Governor Bello. She claimed to have delayed returning home as a precaution, stating she had reported the threats to security authorities.

The third charge references a phone conversation on March 27, 2025, with one Sandra C. Duru, where the senator allegedly made disturbing claims linking Akpabio to a murder case and alleged organ harvesting involving the late Iniobong Umoren — a case that previously drew national outrage.

The FG described the comments as “malicious, reckless, and dangerous,” arguing they were made with the intent to incite public unrest and erode trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was not present in court, with reports indicating she refused service of court summons. Justice Oji ordered that all necessary steps be taken to ensure she is served ahead of the next hearing.