Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is set to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on June 19, 2025, over a defamation case instituted by the Federal Government.
The case is reportedly being pursued on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Originally scheduled for June 3, the hearing was postponed due to procedural setbacks. A fresh notice issued by the court registrar, Hiradi Dada, on June 5, confirmed that all parties have now been summoned to appear on the new date.
The defamation charge is said to be anchored on allegations by Akpabio and Bello, who claim Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made damaging statements against them. Central to the case is Ms. Sandra Duru, also known by the alias Prof Mgbeke, who is listed among key witnesses.
However, the case has taken an unexpected turn following a controversial social media post by Ken Okolugbo, a communications aide to Senate President Akpabio.
In the now-deleted post, Okolugbo appeared to admit being part of a plan to frame Senator Natasha, revealing he had met with Sandra Duru and others in London to discuss fabricating evidence against her.
The post caused a stir online before Okolugbo later claimed his account was hacked and disassociated himself from the confession.
The matter further deepened when Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, a media activist, was arrested in the early hours of the morning in Owerri, Imo State.
His arrest, allegedly ordered by the Inspector General of Police, followed an interview he granted on Adeola Fayehun’s platform, where he alleged that Sandra Duru paid him ₦2.5 million to create defamatory content targeting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. He also claimed that the effort had the backing of highly placed political figures, including Akpabio.
Obinna’s arrest has since raised serious concerns, with rights groups and commentators accusing the authorities of using state power to intimidate critics while protecting politically exposed individuals.
Many are now asking why Sandra Duru, who is central to several of the allegations, remains untouched by law enforcement while being positioned as a witness against a sitting senator.
Despite the storm surrounding the case, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed confidence in the legal process, insisting that the facts will ultimately exonerate her.
Civic groups continue to call on the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to provide answers and ensure that the justice system is not manipulated to serve narrow political interests.