Akpoti-Uduaghan vows to appeal N1bn defamation ruling, slams Yahaya Bello

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has rejected a Kogi State High Court judgement ordering her to pay N1 billion in damages to former Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged defamatory statements.

The ruling, delivered on Thursday by Justice A.S. Ibrahim, found the senator liable for remarks deemed injurious to Bello’s reputation.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

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

She stated that her appearance on national television was intended to publicly refute those claims.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “I went on national television to debunk the allegations made against me.

“I was accused of terrorism, and I had every right to defend myself before the Nigerian public.

“If there is anybody to be accused of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello and not me.”

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Akpoti-Uduaghan further faulted the court’s decision, claiming that key evidence presented by her legal team was not adequately considered before the judgment was reached.

She also referenced the security challenges experienced in Kogi State during Bello’s administration, alleging that many communities, particularly in Kogi Central, continue to grapple with the aftermath of violent incidents from that period.

Describing her remarks as reflective of the lived realities of her constituents, the senator insisted the case is far from over, stressing her determination to pursue justice through the appellate court.

The lawmaker said: “My comments were rooted in the experiences of our people and the need to speak truth to power.

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