The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her public claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to kill her.
Filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, the case stems from comments she made during a live Channels Television programme, Politics Today, aired on April 3, 2025.
As per court documents obtained by SaharaReporters, the Kogi Central senator is being charged for allegedly making statements that could tarnish another person’s reputation—an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties under Section 392.
The suit, brought by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, lists Akpoti-Uduaghan as the only defendant.
During the interview, the lawmaker reiterated her claims, saying: “I stand by my statement regarding Akpabio’s discussion with Yahaya Bello about eliminating me.”
She also suggested her Senate-assigned security was pulled in an attempt to expose her to danger, noting: “Removing my security on grounds of an illegal suspension only made me a target.”
This isn’t her first time speaking out about threats to her life. At a recent event in Kogi, she claimed Akpabio allegedly told Bello to have her eliminated locally to make it appear as a community-driven attack.
She stated the alleged plan was discussed at Hilton Hotel, Abuja, and involved financial transactions. She added that the police had been informed.
These criminal charges come amid ongoing controversy in the Senate, including Natasha’s suspension over alleged misconduct and unresolved accusations she has made about sexual harassment by Senate leadership.
Civil society groups have condemned what they call a pattern of political suppression within the legislature.
