Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has rejected a ₦1 billion damages award against her in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The suit stemmed from comments made by the senator during an interview on ARISE Television, where she responded to allegations levelled against her by Bello.
According to a Certified True Copy of the judgment obtained on April 23 in Lokoja, the court ruled in favour of the claimant, holding that the case was decided based on the preponderance of evidence. Delivering judgment in suit number HCL/16/2023, Justice A. S. Ibrahim resolved the issues for determination in favour of Bello and awarded damages accordingly.
Reacting in a statement issued by her media office in Abuja on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the judgment in its entirety. She maintained that her legal team presented substantial and credible evidence which, in her view, justified her position but was not adequately considered by the court.
The senator explained that her remarks during “The Morning Show” were made in response to accusations against her, insisting that her statements were based on available information and made in good faith.
She further argued that her comments were in the public interest and aimed at ensuring accountability to the people of Kogi State, not intended to defame.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s evaluation of evidence, stating that the truth was not properly reflected in the judgment. She confirmed her intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, noting that all lawful avenues would be pursued to seek justice.
