The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, over allegedly defamatory statements made during a live television broadcast.

According to court documents, the lawsuit marked CR/297/25 was filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on May 16, 2025. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is the sole defendant in the case.

The government's legal action accuses the senator of "making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person" - an offense under Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. If found guilty, the senator could face penalties as stipulated under Section 392 of the same legal code.

Notable among the witnesses listed for the trial are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Both are expected to provide testimony during court proceedings.

The specific content of the alleged defamatory remarks has not been disclosed in the initial filing. However, the case has already attracted significant attention given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has been a prominent political figure in the state. The lawsuit marks a significant legal challenge for the senator as she faces allegations from the federal government.

As of the time of this report, neither Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan nor her legal representatives have issued an official response to the lawsuit. The court has yet to announce a date for the commencement of hearings in this case.

This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of public statements by political figures in Nigeria, particularly those made on broadcast media platforms.