Natasha rejects ₦1bn defamation judgment, heads to Appeal Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected a ₦1 billion damages award against her in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, announcing plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

 

The Kogi State High Court in Lokoja, in a judgment delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim in suit number HCL/16/2023, held that statements made by the senator during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television on November 4, 2022, were defamatory.

 

The court ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks, which described Bello as “a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State,” were unjustified and injurious to the former governor’s reputation.

 

“The interview… is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation,” Justice Ibrahim held, resolving all issues in favour of Bello.

 

In addition to awarding ₦1 billion as general damages, the court granted a perpetual injunction restraining the senator and her associates from making further defamatory statements against the former governor across all media platforms.

 

Reacting in a statement issued by her media office on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the judgment, insisting that her comments were justified and made in the public interest.

 

“I reject this judgment in its entirety. We presented substantial and credible evidence before the court… Unfortunately, these were not given due consideration,” she said.

 

The senator maintained that her remarks were a response to prior allegations and reflected concerns from constituents.

 

“My comments were rooted in the experiences of our people and the need to speak truth to power,” she added.

 

She further argued that her statements were made in good faith and not out of malice, stressing that the court failed to properly evaluate the evidence presented.

 

“I firmly believe that the truth was not adequately reflected in the court’s findings. We are heading to the Court of Appeal. This is not the end of the matter,” she said.

 

The case is expected to proceed to the appellate court for further legal determination.