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Tag: Akpoti-Uduaghan

  • Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    The legal dispute arising from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has moved to the Supreme Court, following an application filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his official capacity.

    Court documents indicate that Akpabio has approached the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal against decisions connected to the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker. The application was filed at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

    In the suit, Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while the respondents are Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.

    The dispute followed events at a Senate plenary in February 2025, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues relating to parliamentary privilege and procedure.

    The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, and subsequently led to her suspension from legislative activities.

    Challenging the disciplinary action, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan instituted a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleging breaches of her right to a fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders.

    In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the court considered issues relating to parliamentary procedure and judicial intervention in legislative affairs.

    Following proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.

    The application, brought pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act, and provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), argues that the appeal raises constitutional and procedural questions.

    Akpabio contends that the Senate acted under Section 60 of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures.

    He also argues that the presiding officer of the Senate is not required to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary, and that the Senate’s internal disciplinary processes were invoked in line with its rules.

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    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her response, maintains that her suspension breached her right to a fair hearing and that the Senate did not comply with its Standing Orders before referring her to the ethics committee and imposing sanctions.

    It was confirmed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, that her legal counsel was formally served with the Supreme Court processes, bringing all parties before the apex court.

    The matter also includes a related contempt proceeding arising from a social media post made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan while the suit was pending.

    The Federal High Court held that the post violated a subsisting order, imposed a fine, and directed a public apology.

    The senator has appealed the decision, arguing that the alleged contempt was criminal in nature and required compliance with statutory procedures.

    The case is now before the Supreme Court for further adjudication.

  • Courts strike out defamation, cybercrime charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan

    Courts strike out defamation, cybercrime charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan

    • I’ve been vindicated, says Kogi Central senator

    Two courts in Abuja yesterday struck out the two criminal charges filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Justice Chizoba Orji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory High Court (FCT) was the first to strike out an alleged defamation charge against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    This followed an application filed by the prosecution lawyer, Aderonke Imana.

    At the mention of the case, Imana informed the court about the notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution and urged the court to strike out the charge.

    Responding, the defence lawyer, Ehioje West-Idahosa, did not object but averred the court should also order the release of all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties.

    In a brief ruling, Justice Chizoba Orji struck out the charge, discharged the defendants and her sureties.

    The judge also ordered that all their documents be returned to them.

    The second proceedings on the alleged cybercrime charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja were reportedly conducted in the judge’s chambers.

    It was learnt that Justice Mohammed Umar also struck out the charge following the notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution.

    Read Also: Fed Govt withdraws criminal defamation case against Akpoti-Uduaghan

    The OAGF had charged Akpoti-Uduaghan with criminal defamation at the HIgh Court of the FCT, while a charge of alleged cybercrime was filed against her at the Federal High Court following her claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello planned to kill her.

    Although the prosecution did not provide details of what informed the decision to discontinue the cases, it may not be unconnected with Akpabio’s resolution to withdraw all defamation cases filed in his name.

    Akpabio recently announced that he had instructed his lawyers to discontinue all defamation cases filed in his name.

    The Senate President explained that his decision to withdraw the cases was a deliberate choice rooted in moral authority, faith, and the demands of legislative leadership.

    The Senate President said this in a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

    The statement reads: “In a political culture where litigation has become an extension of reputation management, this was no minor gesture. Akpabio had been unapologetic about defending his name through the courts.

    “The law, in his hands, had been both shield and sword. To voluntarily lay it down is to interrupt a habit of power. The question, therefore, is not whether Akpabio could afford to forgive. It is why he chose to do so.

    “This is where forgiveness ceases to be sentimental and becomes political philosophy. The same drive for tangible outcomes has characterised, albeit differently, his tenure as Senate President.”

    Akpabio added that managing a Senate comprising 109 senators with competing ambitions requires restraint, credibility, and setting an example, rather than engaging in constant legal battles that could distract from governance.

    “The Senate has been unusually productive and notably calm—more than ninety-six bills passed in two years, with over fifty-eight assented to by the President.

    “In a chamber once notorious for theatrics, this stability is not accidental. It reflects a leadership style that values restraint over spectacle and consensus over conquest.

    “This is why the withdrawal of lawsuits should be read not merely as personal forgiveness but as public modelling. Forgiveness, in this sense, becomes civic pedagogy,” he said.

    Also, the Federal High Court of the FCT in Abuja yesterday struck out the criminal charges instituted by the Federal Government against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    This followed a formal withdrawal of the case by the OAGF.

    Court documents showed that the AGF filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to terminate the criminal defamation and related charges earlier brought against the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    The case, which attracted widespread national attention, arose from comments allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview and had sparked intense public debate on freedom of expression, political accountability and the limits of prosecutorial powers.

    The notice of discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end.

    Delivering his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice C. N. Oji, acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the charges.

    He held that the development highlighted the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial authority.

    “The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” Justice Oji said.

    Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the case in open court, explaining that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

    “On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance,” the prosecution said. “This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.”

    Reacting to the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a vindication of her stance.

    “I have been vindicated. Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law,” she said. “I remain committed to serving my constituents and to defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians.”

    Akoti-Uduaghan also thanked her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal battle.

    The striking out of the charges comes after months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, during which several civil society organisations criticised the prosecution, describing it as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement.

  • 2026: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Nigerians to embrace unity, shared responsibility

    2026: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Nigerians to embrace unity, shared responsibility

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, hope and renewed national commitment as the country enters the year 2026.

    In a New Year message released on Thursday, the senator extended warm greetings to her constituents, Kogites, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, describing the New Year as a moment for reflection and renewed determination to build a stronger and more inclusive nation.

    She noted that a new calendar year should serve as more than a symbolic change of date, but an opportunity for collective rebirth and purposeful action.

    “As we step into this New Year, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. A new year offers us not just a change in date, but a renewed opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and rise stronger together as one people,” she said.

    Reflecting on the past year, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the economic challenges, security concerns and social uncertainties confronting many Nigerians, while commending citizens for their resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

    “The year past came with its share of trials, uncertainties, and lessons. Yet, through it all, our people have continued to show remarkable resilience, courage, and hope. These qualities define us and remind us that no challenge is greater than our collective will to overcome,” the senator stated.

    She stressed the need for national unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect across ethnic, religious and cultural lines, describing Nigeria’s diversity as its greatest strength.

    “As we embrace the New Year, let us renew our commitment to unity, peace, and mutual respect. Our diversity remains our greatest strength, and only through cooperation and understanding can we achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” she added.

    The lawmaker also charged Nigerian youths to remain focused, innovative and forward-looking, noting that their energy, creativity and drive are vital to national growth and transformation.

    “I encourage our youths to remain steadfast, pursue knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship, and believe in their capacity to shape a better future for themselves and for Nigeria,” she said.

    Expressing optimism about the year ahead, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for improved security, economic stability and governance anchored on integrity, justice and service to the people.

    “May this New Year usher in improved security, economic stability, and meaningful opportunities for all. 

    “Let us choose dialogue over conflict, integrity over corruption, and service over self-interest. Together, we can build a nation founded on justice, equity, and shared prosperity,” she said.

    She concluded with prayers for the nation and goodwill to her constituents, expressing hope for a peaceful and progressive year.

    “I pray that the Almighty grants us good health, wisdom, and peace in the year ahead. May hope guide our steps, and may Nigeria continue to move forward in strength and dignity. Happy New Year, and God bless the good people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Akpoti-Uduaghan condoles Anthony Joshua, demands urgent road safety reforms

    Akpoti-Uduaghan condoles Anthony Joshua, demands urgent road safety reforms

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has commiserated with world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, over a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

    In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the senator described the incident as painful and unacceptable, lamenting the recurring loss of lives on Nigerian highways due to poor safety enforcement and weak emergency response systems.

    “My heart goes out to Anthony Joshua at this very painful time,” she said. “Losing two close friends in such a tragic manner is devastating. I pray that God grants him strength and comfort, and that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”

    Beyond expressing sympathy, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the tragedy once again exposed the dangerous condition of the nation’s highways, which she described as “corridors of sorrow” where preventable accidents continue to claim innocent lives.

    She stressed that road safety in Nigeria must no longer be treated as optional, noting that the persistent carnage on major highways amounts to a national emergency requiring urgent and decisive action.

    The senator called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify enforcement of existing safety regulations, adding that weak compliance and lax monitoring have continued to fuel fatal crashes across the country.

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    “Rules without enforcement are meaningless,” the Senator said, urging authorities to ensure that traffic and safety laws are applied strictly and without compromise.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan also appealed to the Federal Government to provide well-equipped vehicle rest-in stations and lay-bys along major highways to reduce fatigue-related accidents, especially among long-distance drivers.

    “No driver should be forced to drive endlessly without a safe place to rest,” she said, adding that deliberate investment in rest stations would significantly reduce exhaustion-induced crashes.

    In addition, the lawmaker advocated the establishment of a dedicated Highway Emergency Rescue Team, equipped with ambulances, trauma care units and trained rapid-response personnel to attend to accident victims promptly.

    “Many lives are lost not only because accidents occur, but because help does not arrive on time,” she said. “Nigeria urgently needs a functional highway emergency rescue system that can respond within minutes, not hours.”

    The Senator urged policymakers to treat road safety as a matter of national priority, insisting that meaningful reforms would save thousands of lives every year.

    “This tragedy should not be another headline we forget tomorrow,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “It must serve as a turning point for serious highway safety reforms in Nigeria.”

    She reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing legislative and policy measures aimed at protecting lives on Nigerian roads, while again extending her condolences to Anthony Joshua and the bereaved families.

  • Yuletide: Akpoti-Uduaghan lifts constituents with 2,000 bags of rice in Kogi

    Yuletide: Akpoti-Uduaghan lifts constituents with 2,000 bags of rice in Kogi

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has distributed over 2,000 bags of 25-kilogramme rice to constituents across the district’s five local government areas as part of her Christmas outreach.

    The distribution, which was held simultaneously in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okene, Okehi, and Ogori-Magongo local government areas, was aimed at cushioning the impact of rising food prices and enabling families to celebrate the festive season with some relief.

    Addressing beneficiaries during the exercise, the senator said the initiative was driven by compassion and her conviction that leadership should translate into tangible benefits for the people.

    “Christmas is a season of love, sacrifice, and shared joy,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “At a time when many households are under pressure from the high cost of living, it is important to stand with our people in practical ways. This distribution is to ensure that families across Kogi Central can celebrate without undue hardship.”

    The rice distribution cut across community groups, women’s associations, youth organisations, religious bodies, the elderly, and other vulnerable residents within the senatorial district.

    Community leaders who monitored the exercise described it as one of the largest Christmas palliative distributions recorded in the area. A traditional ruler in Okene said the scale and spread of the intervention demonstrated genuine concern for grassroots welfare.

    “This is not symbolic support; it is real and far-reaching,” he said.

    In Adavi Local Government Area, a youth leader commended the inclusiveness of the exercise, noting that beneficiaries were selected without regard to political affiliation.

    “This is leadership that brings people together,” he said.

    The Christmas outreach adds to a series of constituency interventions by the senator, including projects and programmes in healthcare, education, solar-powered infrastructure, water supply, and women and youth empowerment across Kogi Central.

    Speaking in Okehi, Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her commitment to service-oriented representation, saying her duties extend beyond legislative functions.

    “Representation means being present, listening to the people and responding with actions that improve daily life,” she said.

    Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. 

    Residents said the distribution has further reinforced confidence in responsive governance and highlighted the value of empathy and service in public office.

  • Charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan not abuse of court process, says AGF

    Charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan not abuse of court process, says AGF

    The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice has faulted the claim by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the charges filed against her at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Federal High Court in Abuja amounted to an abuse of court process.

    The AGF’s office said the charges were duly filed upon comprehensive and conclusive investigations and having established a prima facie case against the Kogi North senator.

    The office of the AGF, in a counter-affidavit, also faulted the senator’s claim that her petitions were not investigated.

    The counter-affidavit was filed in response to a notice of preliminary objection filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan in opposition to both charges.

    The Kogi North senator is charged with criminal defamation in a case at the High Court of the FCT, while a charge of alleged cybercrime is pending against her at the Federal High Court over her claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello planned to kill her.

    In the counter-affidavit, the prosecution stated that contrary to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim, the three-count charge before the High Court of the FCT was filed against her “after a thorough investigation of the case and a prima facie case was established”. 

    The prosecution added: “The three-count charge was preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and in the best interest of justice.

    “The actions and conducts of the defendant/applicant (Natasha) contravened the penal code law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The criminal charge against the defendant is borne out of the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties related to the case by the Nigerian Police Force.

    “All the petitions filed by the defendant were duly investigated and charges filed at the FCT High Court against her colleague senator.

    “The Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation filed the criminal charge against the defendant after due regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.

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    “The charge against the defendant is consistent with the extant laws and does not constitute an abuse of the legal and prosecutorial powers of the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.”

    When the case came up yesterday at the High Court of the FCT, the prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, said although the case was slated for the hearing of the defendant’s preliminary objection, the prosecution filed a counter-affidavit, which it was unable to serve on the defendant.

    Kaswe prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable the prosecution to properly serve the defendant with its response to her preliminary objection.

    He said: “It will not be fair for the prosecution to insist that the matter goes on as the defence team has indicated that it will respond to our counter-affidavit.

    “In the circumstance, we are asking for a short adjournment to enable us (prosecution) to effect proper service on the defence.”

    Responding, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), confirmed that the defendant was not served with the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

    West-Idahosa said his client would respond if she was properly served and prayed the court for a long adjournment on the grounds that members of the defendant’s legal team plan to attend this year’s International Bar Association’s meeting in Canada.

    Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned till December 1 for the preliminary objection and the counter-affidavit.

  • Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes plenary

    Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes plenary

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attended plenary for the first time yesterday after the expiration of her six-month suspension for misconduct.

    On September 23, the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, unsealed her office to paved the way for her return after the suspension.

    Yesterday, Akpoti-Uduaghan entered the Senate chamber around noon and proceeded straight to her designated seat in the minority aisle without any fuss.

    That was shortly after  Senate President Godswill Akpabio took over proceedings from his deputy, Barau Jibrin, who had begun the session at about 11:15 a.m.

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     Dressed in white attire with matching headgear and covered with a white veil and black sunglasses, the Senator who represents Kogi Central, was warmly received by some senators, including Seriake Dickson   Ogoshi Onawo,   Gbenga Daniel and Samaila Dahuwa. They exchanged handshakes with her.

    The  Senate, however, made no mention of her resumption during plenary.

    After the session, Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke with reporters, saying she had no apology to tender to the Senate.

    Sounding resolute, the lawmaker said she believes the courts would ‘’be fair and swift in handling the matters.’’

    She said: “My attendance at plenary today(yesterday) is a testament of resilience by the good people of Kogi Central and Nigerians, especially their courage to resist every unscrupulous intimidation.

    “Our victory is the people’s and God’s. I recommit myself to continued service to my constituents and country while trusting the courts to be fair and swift in adjudicating the matters before them.”

     The Senator was suspended in March 2025  following her outburst over the reassignment of her seat on February 20.

  • I can’t facilitate your resumption, Clerk tells Akpoti-Uduaghan

    I can’t facilitate your resumption, Clerk tells Akpoti-Uduaghan

    Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamoru Ogunlana, has said only a fresh resolution of the Senate or an express order from a court can determine Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption to her legislative duties.

    This followed the expiration of her six-month suspension.

    In a statement by the Director of Information in the National Assembly, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the CNA said the threats of legal and disciplinary action against his office by counsel to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were misplaced.

    The CNA said his office lacked the power to alter any resolution passed by the Senate.

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    The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has been drawn to widespread media reports and public commentary concerning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, her attempt to resume legislative duties, and the subsequent correspondence from her legal representatives, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP.

    “In light of these developments, it is necessary to clarify the role of the Clerk to the National Assembly on this matter.

    “The Clerk’s Office serves strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the Senate in accordance with their resolutions, Standing Orders and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse, or interpret Senate decisions.

    “On March 6, 2025, the Senate passed a resolution suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

    “Though the matter was challenged in Court, the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the suspension.

    “On September 4, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan communicated her intention to resume legislative functions to the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, though she has the option of writing the Senate President, which is in line with the established protocol.

    “In response, this office conveyed the same to the Senate leadership, who noted that the matter remains before the Court of Appeal (subjudice), and that any change in status must either come from a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order.

    “This communication was what the

    Clerk to the National Assembly conveyed in the letter, no more, no less. The Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time.

    “To our dismay, the Office of the Clerk received a letter from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives (M. J. Numa & Partners LI.P), accusing this office of overreach and threatening legal and disciplinary action.

    “While the office respects the right of all parties to seek legal redress, it must be stressed that the Clerk has at all times acted within lawful administrative limits, and in faithful observance of due process.

    “It must be emphasised that the determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right without any further or fresh resolution of the Senate following the expiration of her six-month suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.

    “The Office of the Clerk remains guided by the principles of constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law. The public is urged to remain patient and allow the appropriate institutions – including the Senate and the courts – to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.”

  • Alleged murder plot: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned arraignment stalled

    Alleged murder plot: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned arraignment stalled

    • Court rejects Fed Govt’s request for bench warrant against Senator

    The scheduled arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on a charge bordering on cybercrimes was stalled yesterday owing to the prosecution’s inability to serve the charge on her personally as required.

    In the six-count marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 pending before the Federal High Court in  Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan is alleged to have caused to be transmitted, via a computer system and network, false information which constitutes a threat to the reputation of Senate President Akpabio and a former Kogi State  Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    The Senator, who represents Kogi Central,  was said to have, while addressing a crowd on April 1 in Ihima, Kogi State, intentionally claimed that Akpabio told Bello to have her killed in Kogi State.

    She is also accused of claiming to cause the breakdown of law and order, by alleging on a television programme that Akpabio and Bello were plotting to eliminate her.

    The alleged offences, according to the prosecution, are contrary to and punishable under sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024.

    At the mention of the case yesterday, the prosecution lawyer, David Kaswe (from the Federal Ministry of Justice), said the business of the day was the arraignment of the Senator..

    Kaswe, who noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not in court, said he had earlier served the charge on her lawyer, implying that she (the defendant) was well aware that the case would come up yesterday.

    He then prayed the court to issue a bench warrant against her for failing to appear in court in spite of being aware of the charge. 

    Kaswe said: “It was this(yesterday) morning that we were able to serve the defendant through her counsel, but the defendant is not in court.

    “So, it means the defendant is aware of this matter, but decided not to appear in court.

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    “In the light of this, I apply that a bench warrant be issued against her for her failure to attend court to take her plea in this criminal charge.” 

    Lawyer to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Johnson Usman (SAN), described Kaswe’s application as strange and discourteous.

    Usman said that on learning about the case, he called Kaswe to let him know that his client had instructed him to receive the charge on her behalf.

    He added: “I was served the charge at 9:15 this(yesterday) morning here in court. So, how will the defendant know that the matter is coming up when she has not seen the charge?

    “I find the application strange, and it should be discountenanced. If the defendant has not been served, she cannot be in court.” 

    At that point, Justice Musa Umar intervened and asked Kaswe if he had served the charge on the defendant, to which he replied in the negative.

    Justice Umar then noted that it was impossible, in view of the non-service of the charge on the Senator, for the court to issue the bench warrant sought by the prosecution.

    The judge, however,  granted the request by the prosecution for leave to serve the charge on the defendant through her lawyer.

    He adjourned till June 30 for arraignment.

  • APC chieftain knocks Akpoti-Uduaghan over ‘satirical apology ’

    APC chieftain knocks Akpoti-Uduaghan over ‘satirical apology ’

    The South South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere has carpeted suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her letter of apology addressed to the National Assembly.

    Agbomhere “mocked the satirical letter of apology,” stating that the lawmaker’s lamentation has only just begun an hour into a journey of two years.

    In a statement on Wednesday, he urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to consider joining Nollywood, as letter writing will not be of much help to her in her journey of mischief.

    He said that the lawmakers’ mudslinging habit targeted at the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the National Assembly as an institution will never yield her expected results.

    Agbomhere described the satirical letter as “laughable and meaningless to those who believe in the sanctity of the most important arm of government – the legislature, and those who love the number three citizen of Nigeria, Senator Akpabio, a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger and the Uncommon President of the Nigerian Senate.”

    He said the Kogi Senator’s continued unpatriotic actions since her suspension should be condemned by every well meaning Nigerian rather than being “encouraged, as being done by charlatans and unpatriotic elements who find fulfillment in destroying the image of their own country.”

    Agbomhere stated: “The most pitiable part of the whole national nuisance is that Senator Natasha is married to an idiot who cannot stop her from self destruction.”

    The APC South South zonal organising secretary reminded Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of the oath of office she took while being sworn in as Kogi Central lawmaker which among other things includes the protection of the sanctity of the National Assembly.

    Agbomhere wondered why the lawmaker “vigorously fought to enter the Senate through the judgement of the Court of Appeal, when she knew that she did not possess the gravitas, finesse and temperament required to belong to the hallowed Chamber.”

    He stated: “Senator Natasha was suspended by the Senate for gross indiscipline, rather than do the needful by apologising or clearing her name in a court of law, she has elected to whip up sentiments against the Uncommon Commissioner, Governor and Architect of Modern Akwa-Ibom State, the Uncommon Minister of Infrastructural Development in the Niger Delta Region, and the uncommon, patriotic, unbeatable and infallible Senate President, the amiable and adorable Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, the National Assembly as an institution and the government, led by a reformer and visionary President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Senator Natasha’s behavior I dare say, amounts to treason. How on earth can a supposed Distinguished member of the Nigerian Parliament make it a stock in trade to break protocol and de-market the most important arm of government in her country just for the sake of clout chasing? I encourage the necessary security agencies to bring her to book forthwith.”

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    Agbomhere who is also the Director General, Door to Door For Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency, a campaign organisation dedicated to President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, alleged that Senator Akpoti – Uduaghan was in cahoots with individuals such as Martin Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan, Barrister Deji Adeyanju and Omoyele Sowore, all of whom claim to be advocates for the masses and working restlessly with the opposition to mislead gullible citizens from appreciating the gains of the President Bola Tinubu and APC led administration, while behind closed doors are lobbying and begging to be engaged to work for the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027.

    “Senator Natasha has satirically realised that the Nigerian Senate, like the British House of Lords, and the Senate of the United States of America, is an institution that has the powers, without fear of blackmail, to reprimand its erring members. Senator Natasha has satirically accepted the Senator Godswill Akpabio remains the uncommon, infallible and unbeatable President of the Senate who will continue to act as such, unshakable and committed to the good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whether by Satire, Idiom or Innuendo, She has a choice to either apologise sincerely for her indiscipline, malicious falsehood, and treasonable actions or remain suspended and keep missing out from those beautiful working-visit pictures she loves to take with the Handsome, Uncommon and Adorable President of the Nigerian Senate.

    “I encourage the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio to continue to work hand-in-hand with the Executive Arm of the Federal Government to succeed, and no amount of blackmail and grandstanding by the opposition will stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock in 2027.” the statement added.