By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is set to appear in court on Tuesday following a summons issued in a criminal case filed by the Federal Government.
The case, which accuses the senator of making defamatory remarks against top political figures, is scheduled for hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Confirming the development on Sunday, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), stated that his client would comply with the court’s directive as a law-abiding citizen, regardless of whether the government proceeds with her formal arraignment.
“If the case is called tomorrow, we will respond accordingly with our client,” Idahosa said.
“The issue of protest is irrelevant to us. We are lawyers, and our focus is on defending charges we believe can be contested.”
The case, filed by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, centers on remarks allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live television broadcast and a private phone conversation.
According to court filings dated May 16, 2025, and marked CR/297/25, the senator is accused of defaming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
One of the key allegations stems from an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television on April 3, 2025, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly claimed that both Akpabio and Bello conspired to have her assassinated.
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night— to eliminate me… he then emphasised that I should be killed in Kogi,” the charge quotes her as saying.
Additionally, the government claims that during a March 27 phone conversation with a woman identified as Dr. Sandra Duru, the senator accused Akpabio of being linked to an organ harvesting ring involving the late Iniubong Umoren, allegedly to benefit his ailing wife.
The Federal Government has named Akpabio, Bello, and four others as key prosecution witnesses in the case.
While speculation grows about whether Tuesday’s court session will include a formal arraignment, Idahosa said the legal team is prepared for any scenario.
“We saw a notice of amended charges. We don’t know what they are trying to do. They’ve amended the charges once and could do so again—it’s their decision,” he added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate remains under judicial review, with a separate court ruling on that matter expected June 27.
