A Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has awarded ₦1 billion in damages against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The senator, however, rejected the judgment and announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. Her decision was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko.
The judgment, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim in suit number HCL/16/2023, arose from comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live appearance on The Morning Show on November 4, 2022. The remarks, which contained serious allegations against Bello, formed the basis of the legal dispute.
In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim held that the statements made by the senator were defamatory and harmful to the claimant’s reputation, noting that they were not supported by sufficient evidence. He added that all issues presented for determination were resolved in favour of the claimant.
“The interview granted by the defendant on November 4, 2022, on Arise TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation. The description of the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification,” the judge ruled.
The court also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the senator, her agents, and associates from making further defamatory statements against Bello across media platforms. Additionally, it awarded ₦1 billion as general damages in favour of the former governor.
Reacting to the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the ruling, arguing that the court failed to properly evaluate the evidence presented by her defence. She maintained that her comments were made in the public interest and without malice.
“I reject this judgment in its entirety. We presented substantial and credible evidence, which in our view justified our position, but these were not given due consideration,” she said. She added that her statements were made in good faith and based on information available at the time.
The senator confirmed that her legal team has begun the process of filing an appeal. “We are heading to the Court of Appeal. This is not the end of the matter. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure justice is served,” she stated.
The ruling marks a significant development in the prolonged political and legal dispute between both figures, drawing renewed attention to the intersection of political speech, media commentary, and defamation law in Nigeria.
