Natasha Challenges ₦1bn Defamation Verdict, Files Appeal

A legal dispute between Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has escalated, with the senator rejecting a ₦1 billion damages award and signalling plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

The ruling, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim of the Kogi State High Court in Lokoja, found that statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live appearance on The Morning Show on November 4, 2022, were defamatory. The case, marked HCL/16/2023, centred on remarks in which the senator allegedly described Bello as “a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State.”

Justice Ibrahim held that the statements were injurious to Bello’s reputation and were not supported by evidence presented before the court. “The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation,” the judge ruled, adding that the issues for determination were resolved in favour of the claimant.

Beyond the monetary award, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan, her agents, and associates from making further defamatory statements against Bello across broadcast and other media platforms.

In a reaction issued through her media office in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the judgment, maintaining that her statements were justified. “I reject this judgment in its entirety. We presented substantial and credible evidence before the court, which, in our view, clearly justified our position. Unfortunately, these were not given due consideration,” she stated.

The senator argued that her comments during the television appearance were made in response to prior allegations against her and were rooted in public interest. “If there is anybody to be accused of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello and not me. My comments were rooted in the experiences of our people and the need to speak truth to power,” she said.

She further insisted that the court failed to properly evaluate the evidence presented, describing her statements as being made in good faith. “My statements were based on information available at the time and were made in good faith, in the interest of accountability to the people of Kogi State,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also confirmed that she would challenge the ruling. “I firmly believe that the truth was not adequately reflected in the court’s findings. We are heading to the Court of Appeal. This is not the end of the matter. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that justice is served.”

The case reflects ongoing legal tensions surrounding political speech, defamation, and accountability, particularly where allegations of serious misconduct intersect with public commentary. The outcome of the anticipated appeal is likely to further test the balance between reputational protection and freedom of expression under Nigerian law.