BREAKING: Kogi High Court Awards ₦1 Billion Damages Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Defamation Case
The High Court of Kogi State, sitting in Lokoja on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, has delivered judgment in a high-profile defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In its ruling, the court ordered the senator to pay ₦1 billion in general damages, significantly reducing the ₦5 billion initially sought by the claimant. The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining her from making any further statements deemed defamatory against the former governor.
Background of the Case
The suit originated from a 2023 televised interview on Arise TV, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly referred to the then-governor as a “serial killer.” The statement prompted legal action, with the former governor arguing that the remarks were false, malicious, and capable of damaging his public image and reputation.
Defence and Court Findings
During the proceedings, the senator’s legal team maintained that her comments were based on events and political developments surrounding the 2023 general elections. However, the court held that the defence failed to meet the legal threshold for justification or fair comment.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge ruled that the language used was defamatory in nature and had the effect of injuring the reputation of the claimant. The court further noted that the evidence presented did not substantiate the allegations made during the broadcast.
Final Orders
The court therefore:
– Awarded ₦1 billion in general damages against the defendant
– Issued a perpetual injunction preventing further defamatory remarks against the claimant
– Dismissed the justification defence as insufficient in law
Political and Legal Implications
The judgment marks a significant development in the ongoing political and legal tension between both figures in Kogi State. It also adds a new dimension to the broader discourse on political speech, media interviews, and legal boundaries of public commentary.
As of the time of this report, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has not confirmed whether an appeal will be filed at the Court of Appeal.
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