Delay in Trial of Suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Defamation Amid Judiciary Strike
Delay in Natasha's Slander Court Hearing
In the latest turn of events, the trial of suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been postponed due to the judiciary strike that commenced on Monday.
According to our sources, the embattled lawmaker was set to appear before a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday, yet, proceedings couldn't push through owing to the industrial action. Her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), affirmed the postponement, stating that the strike disrupted the court's operations. Nevertheless, Idahosa mentioned that his client remains steadfast in obeying all court orders.
"As a law-abiding citizen, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will continue to adhere to all court directives," Idahosa stated boldly.
The federal government, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mohammed Abubakar, brought charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan on May 16, 2025, accusing her of spreading defamatory remarks against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charges were filed under suit number CR/297/25, originating from comments supposedly made by the senator during a live broadcast on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on April 3, 2025.
The charge sheet asserts that Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed during the broadcast: "It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night - to eliminate me... he then emphasised that I should be killed in Kogi."
The prosecution additionally alleged that the senator, in a private phone conversation with one Dr Sandra Duru, tied Akpabio to organ harvesting allegations involving the late Iniubong Umoren, seemingly for the benefit of the Senate President's ailing wife.
Both Akpabio, Yahaya Bello, and four unnamed individuals have been listed as key witnesses in the trial.
With courts shut across the nation due to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike, no new date has been established for the proceedings.
Fun Fact:
Intrigued by recent news surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan? Check out some other captivating stories on her:
- "If What I Have Said Is False, Let Her Sue Me' - Reno Omokri Dismisses Senator Natasha's Denial"
- "Natasha Speaks On Her Relationship With Tinubu's Govt"
- "'Akpabio Has Turned Senate Sittings Into Comedy Shows'- Natasha"
- "'He Handled It Like I Was A Staff In His Living Room' - Natasha Blasts Akpabio On Her Suspension"
- "Natasha To Appear In Court On Tuesday Over FG's Defamatory Lawsuit"
- "JUSUN Insists On Indefinite Strike Despite Meeting DSS, Supreme Court Withdrawal"
[1] - News Source 1[2] - News Source 2[3] - News Source 3
As a law-abiding citizen, she will continue to comply with all court orders.
- The postponement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's trial, due to a judiciary strike, has left observers questioning when the proceedings will resume in Nigeria.
- In the midst of the ongoing strike, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by the federal government, involving accusations of defamatory remarks against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
- The trial, originally scheduled for Tuesday, is now faced with uncertainty due to the country-wide Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike, with no new date set for the court's operations.
- Political commentary on the matter continues to be a mainstay in general news and crime-and-justice discussions, with Senators, political figures, and other celebrities weighing in on the situation.
- As the strike continues and court proceedings remain suspended, attention has also shifted to potential policies and legislation that may impact the judiciary system’s future in Nigeria, especially concerning strike actions by judiciary workers.
