A High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in damages to former governor Yahaya Bello after finding her liable in a defamation case.
The ruling followed a suit filed in 2023, where the court reviewed the evidence presented and resolved the matter in favour of the claimant.
Court rules statements were defamatory
At the centre of the case was an interview granted by the senator on November 4, 2022, during The Morning Show. In the interview, she allegedly made serious claims against the former governor.
The court held that the statements — which described him in damaging terms — were not justified and had harmed his reputation. It further noted that the claims were not supported by sufficient evidence.
₦1bn damages and court order
As part of the judgment, the court awarded ₦1 billion in damages to the former governor.
In addition, a perpetual injunction was issued, restraining the senator and her associates from making any further defamatory statements against him through any platform.
Appeal dismissed
During the proceedings, the defence challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the case was an abuse of court process. However, the court upheld its authority to hear the matter.
An appeal filed against that decision was later dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed that the Kogi State High Court had the right to handle the case.
The ruling is expected to generate reactions, especially among political observers and legal stakeholders.
