The Nigerian government has filed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over comments made during a recent television interview, where she alleged a plot to assassinate her.
The charges, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, stem from statements made by the senator during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on April 3, 2025.
In the interview, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan directly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to have her eliminated.
“I am glad you did admit that I am a lawyer, and even if I am not a lawyer, I am a sane individual, and I do stand by what I said. In respect to the meeting or discussion Akpabio had [with] Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me,” she stated on national television.
She further alleged that the withdrawal of her security detail was a deliberate move to expose her to danger.
“Just ask the Senate President why did he withdraw my security if not to make me vulnerable to attacks. Mind you, of all the senators, about 109, we all have different stories. I have been high profiled, vulnerable individual because of the nature of politics I have had, I have experienced since the year 2018. Very violent and dangerous. And I always have my security. So stripping me of my security because I am suspended illegally, actually it just positions me before attacks.”
According to the charge sheet, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant, with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan named as the sole defendant.
While the full details of the charges remain undisclosed, one count cites her “imputation” as potentially harmful to the reputation of the individuals mentioned.
Senator Natasha was suspended by the Senate in March for allegedly violating legislative rules. Following her suspension, the senator publicly accused Senate President Akpabio of victimising her as retaliation for her refusal to yield to his alleged sexual advances.
