Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected a ₦1 billion defamation judgment delivered by a Kogi State High Court and is preparing to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
The ruling, delivered in Lokoja by Justice A. S. Ibrahim, awarded damages in favour of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello. The court held that comments made by the senator during a televised interview were defamatory to Bello’s reputation.
The case stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television on November 4, 2022, where she responded to allegations previously made against her by Bello.
Reacting to the judgment, the Kogi Central lawmaker insisted her remarks were not malicious but a direct response aimed at addressing claims about her in the public space.
“I went on national television to respond to allegations made against me,” she said, maintaining that her statements were within her right to defend herself.
She also argued that the court failed to fully consider the context in which her comments were made, as well as the evidence presented by her legal team.
However, Justice Ibrahim ruled that the statements were unjustified and defamatory, adding that they damaged Bello’s character. Beyond the financial penalty, the court also restrained the senator and her associates from making further defamatory remarks against the former governor.
Unconvinced by the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan says the legal battle is far from over. According to her, steps have already been taken to challenge the ruling at the appellate level.
“This matter does not end here. We will seek redress at the Court of Appeal,” she stated.
As the case moves to the next stage, it brings renewed attention to the delicate balance between protecting reputations and preserving freedom of expression in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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