‘I was defending myself on TV’ — Natasha Akpoti rejects N1bn defamation verdict

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, has rejected the judgment of a Lokoja high court which ordered her to pay N1 billion in damages to Yahaya Bello over alleged defamatory remarks.

She said she would challenge the ruling at the court of appeal.

Background

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice A.S. Ibrahim ruled in favour of Bello, stating that comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a November 4, 2022 appearance on Arise Television were defamatory and unjustified.

The suit, marked HCL/16/2023, stemmed from the senator’s response to allegations earlier made against her by Bello during the TV interview. In the broadcast, she had described the former governor as a “murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi state.”

The court held that the statements were defamatory and granted all reliefs sought by the claimant. It also issued a perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan and her associates from making further defamatory remarks about Bello on television or radio.

‘It doesn’t end here’

Reacting to the verdict, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her comments were made in self-defence following what she described as serious allegations of terrorism levelled against her by the former governor.

“I went on national television to debunk the allegations made against me,” she said. “I was accused of terrorism, and I had every right to defend myself before the Nigerian public.”

She insisted that her statements were justified and accused the court of failing to properly evaluate the evidence she presented.

“I reject this judgment in totality. We presented enough evidence before the court to justify our position, but it is clear that these were not properly considered,” she said.

The senator also pointed to the security situation in Kogi state during Bello’s tenure, alleging that many families continue to mourn losses from that period.

“There were numerous killings in Kogi state, especially in Kogi Central, while he was governor. Many families are still grieving the loss of their loved ones. These are real issues that cannot be ignored,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated that her remarks were aimed at highlighting the experiences of affected communities and promoting accountability.

“This matter does not end here. We will seek redress at the court of appeal to ensure that justice prevails,” she said.