N1bn Defamation Suit: Akpoti-Uduaghan Heads to Appeal Court, Faults Kogi High Court Ruling
Says Judgment Ignored Evidence, Vows to Challenge Decision up to Supreme Court
By Our Judiciary Correspondent
A lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has directed her legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal following a High Court judgment awarding N1 billion in damages to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Reacting shortly after the ruling, the senator described the verdict as flawed and insisted that it failed to properly consider the evidence presented by her defence.
“We are appealing the judgment. I don’t have N1 billion. We will take the matter up to the Supreme Court,” she declared.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that the court overlooked critical submissions made by her legal team, stressing her resolve to exhaust all legal avenues to overturn the decision.
Background to the Dispute
The case stems from a series of allegations dating back to 2022, when the Kogi State Government called for the senator’s arrest, accusing her of involvement in acts of terrorism, including the Kuje Prison Break and the Owo Church Massacre.
The senator, however, firmly denied the allegations, stating that she was outside the country at the time the incidents occurred.
“I was never connected to Safiyu at that time,” she said, dismissing claims linking her to the attacks.
Allegations and Counterclaims
Akpoti-Uduaghan further alleged that the accusations were politically motivated, claiming they were aimed at excluding her from the electoral process.
According to her, Bello allegedly influenced security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to initiate actions against her.
She also referenced a past interview on Arise Television, where she presented materials to support her claims and questioned the basis of the allegations against her.
In a bold move, the senator challenged the former governor to institute further defamation suits if necessary, expressing readiness to defend her position in court.
Raises Security Concerns
Beyond the legal battle, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns over the security situation in Kogi State, citing what she described as persistent violence, fear, and cases of missing persons.
She noted that these issues remain critical and require urgent attention, even as her legal dispute continues.
Next Legal Step
With the notice of appeal underway, the case is expected to move to the appellate court, potentially setting the stage for a prolonged legal contest that could ultimately reach the Supreme Court.
