Security operatives, on Thursday, took over the premises of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ahead of the arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on a three-count charge bordering on alleged defamation.

Naijaonpoint learnt that the courtroom and its surroundings were swarmed by over 200 police officers, strategically positioned to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Armed with rifles and anti-riot gear, the police operatives were deployed early in the morning to maintain security before, during, and after the high-profile arraignment.

As of press time, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had not arrived in court, but her supporters had already taken position inside and outside the premises.

Among them was former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, who arrived with a group of human rights activists to show solidarity with the embattled lawmaker.

Meanwhile, the courtroom was heavily packed with political loyalists of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is one of the complainants in the defamation case.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is to be arraigned on a charge filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, accusing her of defaming both Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.

Also present in the courtroom were leading lawyers, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Roland Otaru, who is expected to lead Senator Natasha’s legal defence.