Court Rejects FG's Request for Senator Natasha's Arrest

By Aminu Bala Madobi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the Federal Government’s application for a bench warrant against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was facing charges filed by the Federal Ministry of Justice through the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) for allegedly making defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Two separate charges have been filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan:
– Case 1: CHARGE NO:FCT/CR/297/2025, scheduled for arraignment on June 19, 2025, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
– Case 2: CHARGE NO:FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, scheduled for arraignment on June 30, 2025, at the Federal High Court.

When the matter came up for hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. D.D. Kasue, applied for a bench warrant, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan was aware of the charges and deliberately absented herself.

However, the defense counsel, J.J. Usman, SAN, opposed the application, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan had not been properly served and only received the charges minutes before the court convened.

Usman described the prosecution’s application as “strange and uncourteous”

Justice Musa Umar rejected the application for a bench warrant, citing improper service of the charges.

The judge granted the prosecution’s application for substituted service through Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel and adjourned the matter to June 30, 2025, for arraignment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed her commitment to appearing in court for her arraignment on the scheduled dates, demonstrating her respect for the law.

The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan stem from alleged defamatory comments made during a live TV appearance on Channels Television on April 3, 2025.

Sen. Natasha allegedly accused Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. The Federal Government contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly or recklessly made these imputations, fully aware that they could harm the reputation of the individuals involved.

The court’s decision to reject the bench warrant application highlights the importance of proper service of court documents. It underscores the need for strict adherence to legal procedures, ensuring that defendants are adequately informed of charges against them. This ruling allows Akpoti-Uduaghan to prepare her defense, while also giving the prosecution an opportunity to present its case.