Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the Federal Government to issue an arrest warrant for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who failed to appear for trial in a defamation case against her.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Umar declined the prosecution's request after government counsel David Kaswe admitted that the defamation charge was only served on Natasha's lawyer that same morning in the courtroom.
The judge stated that since the Kogi Central senator had not previously been served the charge or hearing notice, it was "inconceivable" that she would be present in court for the proceedings.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The court disagreed with the prosecution's argument that service of the charge on her legal counsel, Johnson Usman (SAN), was sufficient to assume the senator was aware of her pending arraignment.
Following the ruling, the prosecution applied for substituted service of the charge on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through her counsel. The court granted this application and fixed June 30, 2025, for her arraignment.
The case at the Federal High Court mirrors another currently pending at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
Background of the Case
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was taken to court for allegedly claiming on live television that Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello were plotting her assassination.
The Nigerian government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, filed charges of defamation against the senator based on these allegations.
This development comes amid growing tensions in Nigerian political circles, where accusations between political figures have increasingly found their way into courtrooms.
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