Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected the judgment of the Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja, which awarded ₦1 billion in damages against her in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, insisting that her comments were made in response to allegations of terrorism levelled against her.
The judgment, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim, followed a suit marked HCL/16/2023, which stemmed from remarks made by the senator during her appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television on November 4, 2022.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her televised comments were a direct reaction to what she described as serious accusations made against her by Bello.
“I went on national television to debunk the allegations made against me,” she said. “I was accused of terrorism, and I had every right to defend myself before the Nigerian public.”
She argued that her statements were not defamatory but rather a necessary response to what she termed false and damaging claims.
“If there is anybody to be accused of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello and not me,” she stated.
However, in his ruling, Justice Ibrahim held that the senator’s comments during the Arise TV interview were defamatory and lacked justification, resolving all issues formulated for determination in favour of the claimant.
“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. “The said interview… in which the defendant described the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.”
The court further issued a perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan, her agents, privies, and associates from making further defamatory statements against Bello across television, radio, and other media platforms. It also awarded ₦1,000,000,000 as damages in favour of the former governor.
Reacting to the verdict, the senator insisted that the court failed to properly evaluate the evidence presented in her defence.
“I reject this judgment in totality,” she said. “We presented enough evidence before the court to justify our position, but it is clear that these were not properly evaluated.”
Highlighted the security situation in Kogi State during Bello’s tenure, particularly in Kogi Central, she alleged that many families are still mourning losses suffered during that period.
“There were numerous killings in Kogi State, especially in Kogi Central, while he was the Executive Governor,” she said.
“Many families have continued to cry daily over the loss of their loved ones. These are real issues that cannot be ignored.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated that her remarks were made in the interest of truth and accountability, stressing that her intention was to draw attention to the plight of affected communities.
“My comments were rooted in the experiences of our people and the need to speak truth to power,” she added.
She disclosed that her legal team is preparing to challenge the High Court’s decision at the Court of Appeal.
“This matter does not end here. We will seek redress at the Court of Appeal to ensure that justice prevails,” the lawmaker said.
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