Federal Government Files Criminal Charges Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Televised Allegations
In a significant development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated criminal proceedings against the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following allegations she made during a live television interview.
The charges stem from comments made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 3, 2025, during an appearance on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, Politics Today. In the course of the broadcast, the senator accused the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, of conspiring to have her assassinated.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant in a case filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is named as the sole defendant in the matter.
According to the charge sheet, the senator is accused of making criminal imputations with the knowledge—or reasonable belief—that her statements would harm the reputation of others, an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The alleged offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same statute.
During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted:
“I am glad you did admit that I am a lawyer, and even if I am not a lawyer, I am a sane individual, and I do stand by what I said. In respect to the meeting or discussion Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. Just ask the Senate President why he withdrew my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks.”
She further explained that she had faced persistent threats and political violence since 2018, making personal security a necessity.
“Among all 109 senators, each has different stories. I’ve been a high-profile, vulnerable individual because of the violent nature of politics I’ve experienced. So, stripping me of my security due to an unlawful suspension only exposes me further to potential attacks.”
This was not the first time the senator voiced concerns about threats to her life. Weeks before the televised interview, during a homecoming rally in Kogi State, she publicly recounted a series of events implicating top political figures.
According to her, the Senate President initially attempted to involve Governor Usman Ododo in efforts to facilitate her recall from the Senate. After Ododo reportedly declined, citing her popularity among constituents, Akpabio allegedly turned to former Governor Yahaya Bello.
“Senator Asuquo was the one who drove Yahaya Bello to the Hilton. I was informed,” she stated. “The meeting had two purposes—first, to begin my recall, with funding promised. Money reportedly exchanged hands. The second was to eliminate me.”
She alleged that Akpabio gave detailed instructions regarding the manner of her assassination:
“Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to kill me, but not in Abuja. He said it should happen here [in Kogi], so it would appear the people were responsible. I didn’t initially make that public, but we informed the police.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims have sparked nationwide concern, given the gravity of the accusations and the involvement of high-ranking officials. The case is expected to attract significant public and legal scrutiny as proceedings unfold.