A Civil Society Group, Centre for Justice and Institutional Integrity (CJII) has commended the arraignment of Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a three-count charge of criminal defamation and malicious falsehood.
Insisting that truth must prevail, the group faulted the senator for not being able to support her allegations with any credible evidence.
CJII, in a statement signed by Prof. Reuben Micah, noted that the trial will sends a clear message that truth must prevail over theatrics in a society governed by laws.
According to the group, justice must outweigh publicity stunts and leadership must not be held hostage by baseless slander.
“After months of strategic evasion and media dramatization, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was today arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a three-count charge of criminal defamation and malicious falsehood.
“The charges, brought by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, stem from her public allegations against the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“This legal milestone marks a significant shift in a controversy that has seen Senator Natasha repeatedly make inflammatory accusations, including claims of sexual harassment and attempted murder. These unsubstantiated allegations have been propagated widely in both local and international media, often without evidence and seemingly aimed at damaging reputations for political gain.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations — that Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to harm her — have not been supported by any credible documentation, witness testimony, or investigative findings. Despite her sensationalist media appearances, no proof has emerged to substantiate her claims.
“In contrast, Senator Akpabio has continued to focus on national governance and leadership, refraining from responding to media provocations while allowing due process to take its course.
“Efforts to serve Senator Natasha with court documents were met with resistance. She remained elusive, frustrating legal proceedings until her eventual arraignment. Following her appearance in court, she pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50 million, with one surety required to own landed property within the FCT jurisdiction.
“The presiding judge, Justice Chizoba Orji, fixed September 23, 2025 for the commencement of trial.
“This is not a political witch-hunt. It is a long-overdue effort to uphold the dignity of public service and enforce accountability in the face of deliberate character assassination. As a public figure, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must now face the legal consequences of her words — and finally provide proof for the grievous claims she has made.
“This trial sends a clear message:
In a society governed by laws, truth must prevail over theatrics. Justice must outweigh publicity stunts. And leadership must not be held hostage by baseless slander,” the statement said.
