Tension Erupts As Court Blocks FG’s Attempt To Nab Natasha

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday declined the Federal Government’s request for a bench warrant against suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her absence in court for arraignment in a criminal defamation case.

The case, initiated by the Federal Government on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, relates to alleged defamatory comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live Channels Television interview on April 3, 2025, where she reportedly accused both men of conspiring to assassinate her.

During the Monday proceedings, prosecuting counsel D.D. Kasue told the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment but the defendant failed to appear. He revealed that although the charge was served through her lawyer earlier that morning, Akpoti-Uduaghan had not shown up, and urged the court to issue a bench warrant.

Defense counsel, Jacob Usman (SAN), strongly objected, arguing that his client had not been properly served with the charges and was therefore unaware she was expected in court. Usman said he received the charge at 9:15 a.m. within the court premises and noted he had earlier notified the prosecution of his client’s authorization to accept service on her behalf. He described the application for a bench warrant as “in bad taste.”

Presiding over the matter, Justice Musa Umar ruled that since the defendant had not been personally served with the charges, the application for her arrest was premature and unfounded.

“It would be wrong to grant a bench warrant when the defendant has not been duly served,” the judge held.

The court subsequently approved a motion for substituted service via her counsel and adjourned the matter for further proceedings.