FG files criminal charges against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; Akpabio, Yahaya Bello to testify

The suit, filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, lists Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.

The government accuses her of making statements intended to damage the reputation of certain individuals, a violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code, which is punishable under Section 392.

Among the key witnesses named in the case are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

One of the charges stems from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s televised claim that Akpabio and Bello conspired to have her assassinated.

During the interview, she allegedly stated:

“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me… Let’s ask the Senate President why he withdrew my security if not to make me vulnerable.”

In a separate charge, Akpoti-Uduaghan was also accused of making damaging statements during a phone conversation with Sandra C. Duru.

She reportedly claimed that organs from the late Iniubong Umoren were used to treat Senator Akpabio’s wife, implying foul play.

The Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, insists that the Senator knew or ought to have known that her statements could damage the reputations of the individuals mentioned.

No date has been set yet for her arraignment.