A High Court in Abuja has set June 19 for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s trial over alleged false claims during a live TV interview involving top politicians

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has slated June 19, 2025, for suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to respond to federal charges of making false and damaging allegations on national television.

Also read: Judiciary strike stalls Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defamation arraignment

In a case that has further strained relations within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, the court—via a notice signed by Registrar Hiradi Dada—directed all parties to come prepared with evidence and witnesses.

The trial stems from comments made by the embattled lawmaker during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3.

According to charge number CR/297/25, the Federal Government accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of defaming public officials by suggesting on air that certain politicians were conspiring to assassinate her.

Prosecutors argue that her statement was made “knowing or having reason to believe” it could damage reputations, constituting an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 392.

Among the witnesses set to testify are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello—both named as nominal complainants.

Other witnesses include two police investigators, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; and a private individual, Sandra Duru.

This legal twist follows a turbulent few months for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was earlier suspended for six months after a heated exchange with Akpabio on the Senate floor.

I was targeted for speaking out against political harassment and intimidation.

The row escalated after she accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, a claim she made during a separate TV interview on February 28.

Her case was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee after she protested a change in her seating position during plenary on February 20, repeatedly raising points of order despite being ruled out of order by Akpabio.

Challenging her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, which is set to rule on June 27 on the legality of the Senate’s disciplinary action.

In an ex-parte application, she urged the court to invalidate any decisions made by the Senate Ethics Committee while her suit is pending.

The criminal charge comes weeks after she petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, alleging police bias in the investigation of her complaints against Senate leadership.

The senator maintains that her persecution is politically motivated, asserting that her public stand against intimidation has made her a target in Nigeria’s male-dominated political landscape.

Also read: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan issues sarcastic apology to senate president Akpabio amid sexual harassment allegations

As her trial nears, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see whether this case affirms institutional integrity—or further exposes the complex interplay of politics and justice in Nigeria.