Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has instructed her legal team to prepare a defense against criminal charges filed by the federal government of Nigeria.
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), recently filed criminal charges against the senator over allegations she made during a television interview.
According to court documents, the charges filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory with case number FCT/HC/CR/297/2025 stem from statements Akpoti-Uduaghan made during a live broadcast on Channels Television's Politics Today program aired on April 3, 2025.
During the interview, the senator allegedly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, legal representative for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, confirmed receipt of the charges in a statement issued on Saturday. The statement revealed that the legal team received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at approximately 2:30 pm on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the premises of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
"The information contains three counts bothering on allegations that our client made imputations which she had reason to believe will harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," West-Idahosa stated.
The legal team confirmed they received the charges on behalf of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through a letter of authority duly issued by her and filed in the Registry of the court.
"The Legal team would adequately prepare all factual and statutory defences available to our client and place same before the Court during trial," the statement concluded.
This case adds to the growing tension in Nigerian political circles, particularly concerning allegations between high-profile political figures. The trial date has not yet been announced as both parties prepare their legal positions.
