In a significant development, The PUNCH has reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in response to a summons issued against her in connection with alleged defamatory statements.
Her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), confirmed this on Sunday, June 1, 2025, emphasizing that the senator is prepared to comply with the court’s directive, despite uncertainties surrounding the Federal Government’s intentions to formally arraign her on the specified date.
Idahosa, a seasoned legal practitioner, reiterated the senator’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. “As a law-abiding citizen, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will present herself in court as required,” he stated during a press briefing. He noted, however, that there remains ambiguity about whether the prosecution will proceed with the arraignment as planned.
“We are aware of the scheduled court appearance, but it is not entirely clear if the arraignment will take place on Tuesday. We are prepared for all eventualities,” Idahosa added, underscoring the legal team’s readiness to represent their client robustly.
The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed by the Federal Government through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, center on allegations of defamation. According to court documents, the senator is accused of making defamatory remarks during a live television interview and in a private telephone conversation.
These statements reportedly targeted prominent figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The specifics of the alleged remarks have not been fully disclosed in public filings, but they are said to have caused significant controversy, prompting the legal action against the senator.
In a detailed statement, Idahosa expressed confidence in the senator’s legal position, emphasizing that the charges are contestable. “Our client respects the judicial process and will attend the court session as directed. If the case is called, we will be present to respond appropriately and defend her against these allegations,” he said.
The legal team has been actively preparing for the case, reviewing the charges and gathering evidence to mount a vigorous defense.
Addressing concerns about potential protests or public unrest surrounding the case, Idahosa was dismissive, clarifying that such matters are outside the purview of the legal team. “Our focus is on the courtroom and defending our client against charges we believe are open to challenge. Issues like protests are for civil society organizations and other stakeholders to handle,” he remarked.
He further emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unwavering respect for judicial institutions, stating, “Our client is a law-abiding individual who values the authority of the courts. Only those with disregard for the rule of law would fail to honor a court summons, and she is certainly not in that category.”
The legal team also highlighted uncertainties surrounding the prosecution’s approach, noting that the Federal Government has previously amended the charges. “We have seen notifications of amended charges in the past, and it’s possible they may revise them again.
That decision lies entirely with the prosecution,” Idahosa explained, indicating that the defense is prepared for any last-minute changes to the legal proceedings.
Adding to the complexity of the case, SaharaReporters earlier revealed concerns raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team about what they describe as selective justice by federal authorities.
In a statement signed by Uju Nwoduwu, another member of the senator’s legal counsel, the team accused law enforcement agencies of failing to act on multiple petitions filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan between March and May 2025. These petitions, totaling 12, alleged serious offenses, including cyberstalking, defamation, threats to her life, and even an attempted assassination.
Despite the gravity of these complaints, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have reportedly taken no action, raising questions about impartiality in the handling of her case.
Nwoduwu’s statement underscored the public’s expectation that law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies operate with fairness and adherence to due process. “It is deeply concerning that while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions remain unaddressed, counter-allegations filed by individuals she named in her complaints—such as Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello—have been swiftly acted upon, resulting in criminal charges against her,” the statement read.
The legal team pointed to this disparity as evidence of a potentially biased and uneven application of justice, particularly given the serious nature of some of the unresolved petitions, which include allegations of abduction and an assassination attempt targeting a protocol officer.
Currently, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is abroad attending to personal matters but has confirmed receipt of the official court notification regarding the charges. Her legal team has affirmed her readiness to return to Nigeria for the scheduled court appearance. “The senator remains steadfast in her commitment to respecting due process and will return to face the charges once the court date is confirmed,” Nwoduwu stated.
The team also expressed gratitude to members of the public who have voiced concern over what they describe as a “highly questionable” criminal charge, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the judicial process.
In a call for accountability, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team urged authorities to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all outstanding petitions filed by the senator. “Justice must be administered without prejudice or favoritism,” Nwoduwu asserted, stressing that the selective pursuit of allegations undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s legal and law enforcement institutions.
As the court date approaches, the case has sparked widespread discussion, with many observers viewing it as a test of Nigeria’s judicial system and its commitment to equal treatment under the law. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent figure known for her advocacy on social and economic issues, has garnered significant support from constituents and civil society groups who see the charges as politically motivated.
However, the prosecution maintains that the case is grounded in legitimate legal concerns, setting the stage for a high-profile courtroom battle.
The outcome of Tuesday’s court appearance could have far-reaching implications, not only for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political career but also for public discourse on freedom of expression, defamation laws, and the role of powerful institutions in addressing allegations of misconduct. For now, all eyes are on the Federal High Court, where the senator is expected to take her place in the dock and face the charges head-on, backed by a determined legal team and a watchful public.
