Natasha rejects ₦1bn judgment, heads to Appeal Court
By John Alechenu, Abuja
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected a ₦1 billion damages ruling against her in a defamation case brought by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello. She asserts her right to defend herself against allegations of terrorism.
The Kogi State High Court in Lokoja determined that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks during a live segment on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” on November 4, 2022, were defamatory, leading to the monetary judgment in favor of Bello.
Justice A. S. Ibrahim presided over the case, identified as suit number HCL/16/2023. The court’s decision centered on statements made by the senator in which she accused Bello of serious wrongdoing.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Ibrahim concluded that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements harmed Bello’s character and reputation and were unsupported by sufficient evidence. The judge stated the case’s central issues were resolved in the claimant’s favor.
“The interview conducted by the defendant on November 4, 2022, on Arise Television is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation,” Justice Ibrahim ruled. He noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan referred to Bello as a “murderer” and “killer,” describing him as a “terror to the people of Kogi State” without justification.
The ruling included a perpetual injunction preventing the senator and her associates from making further defamatory comments against Bello through various media channels. The court also awarded ₦1 billion as general damages.
In a statement issued by her Media Office in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her intention to contest the ruling. “I reject this judgment in its entirety,” she said, asserting that she had presented substantial evidence that the court did not adequately consider.
She characterized her comments as a necessary response to accusations from Bello, stating, “If there is anybody to be accused of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello and not me. My comments were based on the experiences of our people and the need to speak truth to power.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her statements were made in the public interest, arguing that the evidence she provided was ignored. “We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that justice is served,” she concluded, announcing plans to appeal the decision.
