THE arraignment of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was stalled yesterday, June 3, 2025, due to the ongoing strike action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The strike, which began on Monday, resulted in the closure of courts across the country, including all Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high courts.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was scheduled to appear before an FCT High Court to face criminal defamation charges filed by the Federal Government.
The charges stem from comments she allegedly made during a live television appearance and a private conversation, targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
In charge number CR/297/25, the government accused her of defamation and making injurious falsehoods, offences punishable under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code.
One of the key allegations relates to a statement she made during an April 3 appearance on Channels TV, where she claimed that Akpabio and Bello discussed plans to have her assassinated.
In another incident dated March 27, 2025, she allegedly told a woman, Dr. Sandra Duru, in a phone call that Akpabio was involved in organ trafficking related to the late Iniubong Umoren.
Her legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, affirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan is ready to appear in court, stating, “Our client is a law-abiding citizen. She will honour the court summons. Only institutions that disregard the rule of law would act otherwise.”
Following the suspension of the judiciary strike, a new date for her arraignment is expected to be announced soon.