Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected the ₦1 billion damages awarded against her in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, insisting she will challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
The judgment was delivered by the Kogi State High Court in Lokoja, where Justice A. S. Ibrahim ruled that statements made by the senator during a November 4, 2022 appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television were defamatory.
In the suit marked HCL/16/2023, the court held that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks—where she allegedly described Bello as a “murderer,” “killer,” and “terror to the people of Kogi State”—were injurious to his reputation and not supported by sufficient evidence.
The court consequently awarded ₦1 billion in general damages in favour of Bello and issued a perpetual injunction restraining the senator and her associates from making further defamatory statements across media platforms.
Reacting through her media office in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the judgment, arguing that the court failed to properly consider the evidence presented by her legal team.
“I reject this judgment in its entirety. We presented substantial and credible evidence… which were not given due consideration,” she said.
The senator maintained that her comments were made in response to prior allegations against her and were rooted in the experiences of her constituents. She argued that her statements were made in good faith and in the public interest.
“If there is anybody to be accused of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello and not me,” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further stated that she believes the court’s findings did not reflect the truth of the matter and confirmed plans to challenge the ruling.
“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,” she said.
The case adds to ongoing legal and political tensions between both figures, as the appellate court is now expected to determine the next phase of the dispute.