The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Abuja has commenced proceedings in a criminal case against Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to charge number CR/297/25, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented by the Honourable Attorney General of the FCT, has filed a formal complaint against the senator.
The charge sheet reveals that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is being accused of criminal defamation, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990 and punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
The charge stems from a statement allegedly made by the senator during a live broadcast of the Politics Today programme on Channels TV, aired on April 3, 2025, in Abuja. The prosecution claims the statement constituted an imputation known to potentially damage the reputation of another individual.
The case is expected to attract considerable public and media attention, given the high-profile nature of the defendant and the issues surrounding free speech and political accountability.
Further details will be made available as the court proceedings
continue.
