Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected the Kogi State High Court’s decision to award ₦1 billion in damages against her in a defamation claim filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.
Natasha stated her intention to appeal the verdict to the Court of Appeal.
Mike Idoko, the senator’s media aide, announced her decision to appeal the judgment in a statement made in Abuja.
The decision, handed by Justice A. S. Ibrahim in suit number HCL/16/2023, resulted from remarks made by the senator during a live appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on November 4, 2022.
The remarks, which included serious claims against the previous governor, formed the foundation of the legal conflict.
In his conclusion, Justice Ibrahim determined that the defendant’s assertions were harmful to the claimant’s character and reputation and were not supported by the facts provided in court.
He stated that all questions raised for determination were addressed in favor of the applicant.
“The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation.
“The said interview 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,” the judge ruled.
The court also issued a perpetual injunction prohibiting the senator, her agents, privies, and allies from making any additional defamatory statements about Bello on television, radio, and other media platforms.
Additionally, the former governor was given ₦1 billion in general damages.
In response to the ruling, Natasha disputed it, claiming that the court failed to properly assess the facts she submitted in her defence.
“I reject this judgment in its entirety. We presented substantial and credible evidence before the court, which, in our view, clearly justified our position. Unfortunately, these were not given due consideration,” she said.
The senator insisted that her remarks were made in the public interest, not out of malice.
“My statements were based on information available at the time and were made in good faith, in the interest of accountability to the people of Kogi State,” she stated. “I firmly believe that the truth was not adequately reflected in the court’s findings.”
She also confirmed that her legal team has commenced the process of filing an appeal against the judgment.
“We are heading to the Court of Appeal. This is not the end of the matter. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that justice is served,” she added.
The decision is a significant turn in the long-running political and legal battle between the two personalities, bringing new attention to the nexus of political speech, media appearances, and defamation legislation in Nigeria.
With the senator’s appeal to the appellate court, the matter is likely to enter a new chapter, potentially testing the limits of free expression and reputational protection in the country.
