Drama Unfolds: Akpabio, Yahaya Bello Set to Testify in Natasha Akpoti's Trial

A high-stakes legal battle is set to ignite in Abuja as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello are listed as key prosecution witnesses in the criminal defamation trial against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This is more than just a court case; it's a political firestorm drawing national attention to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is facing charges filed by the Federal Government. The core of the accusation? Allegedly making defamatory statements against the two prominent political figures during a live television appearance. According to court filings dated May 16, the prosecution contends that her statements violate Section 391 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes imputations intended to harm a person's reputation, an offense punishable under Section 392.

One of the most explosive charges stems from a televised interview where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly accused Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. The government claims she stated: “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me.”

She further allegedly questioned the Senate President's actions, remarking: “Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks. He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.” These remarks, the prosecution asserts, were made with the full knowledge they would damage the reputations of the named individuals.

This trial adds another layer to already simmering political tensions, especially following Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on March 6, attributed by leadership to "gross misconduct" related to a seating dispute involving Akpabio.

As the trial progresses, all eyes will be fixed on the potential high-profile testimonies of Akpabio and Bello, which are poised to shape the trajectory of this compelling case.