Court fines Natasha N1bn for ‘defaming’ Yahaya Bello

The Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has awarded N1 billion in damages against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a defamation suit filed by former Governor Yahaya Bello.

The order is contained in the Certified True Copy of the judgement dated April 23, 2026, a copy of which was obtained on Friday.

Delivering judgement, Justice A. S. Ibrahim held that based on the preponderance of evidence or balance of probabilities, the verdict was entered in favour of the claimant.

Justice Ibrahim held that upon the conclusion of the suit, the two issues formulated for determination were resolved in favour of the claimant.

The judge said: “The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme of ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation.

“The said interview of 4/11/2022 in which the defendant described the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.”

Justice Ibrahim also gave “an order of perpetual injunction against the defendant, agents, privies or associates”, restraining them from further issuance of the defamatory statements or words against Bello on TV or radio stations.

Kogi fraud trial: Witness reveals how billions were converted to dollars for Bello associate

“The sum of N1 billion is awarded as damages against the defendant and in favour of the claimant,” the judge declared.

Bello had sued Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation of character.

The defendant’s counsel, Johnson Usman (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the court, saying the suit was an abuse of court process.

After the High Court ruled that it had jurisdiction to entertain the case, Akpoti-Uduaghan appealed the ruling.

The Court of Appeal, however, dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit and affirmed that the Kogi State High Court has jurisdiction to entertain the case.