Natasha Akpoti rejects N1bn defamation verdict ordering her to pay Yahaya Bello

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has rejected the judgment of a Lokoja High Court ordering her to pay N1 billion in damages to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over defamatory remarks.

The senator said she would challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, insisting that the decision failed to properly consider the evidence presented before the court.

Justice A.S. Ibrahim, who delivered judgment on Thursday, held that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments about Bello during an appearance on Arise Television on November 4, 2022, were defamatory and unjustified.

The case, marked HCL/16/2023, stemmed from statements in which the senator allegedly described Bello as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State.

In addition to awarding N1 billion in damages, the court granted a perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan, her agents, or associates from making further defamatory statements against Bello on television or radio.

Reacting to the judgment, the senator maintained that her comments were made in response to what she described as serious allegations of terrorism levelled against her by the former governor.

She said she appeared on national television to defend herself before the Nigerian public and insisted that she had a right to respond to the accusations.

Akpoti-Uduaghan further argued that the court did not adequately evaluate the evidence tendered in support of her defence.

She also referenced the security situation in Kogi State during Bello’s administration, alleging that several families, particularly in Kogi Central, suffered losses during that period.