NATASHA HEADS TO APPEAL AS COURT ORDERS HER TO PAY YAHAYA BELLO N1BN FOR DEFAMATION
Read Time:2 Minute, 31 Second
By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Friday rejected the judgment of the Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja, which awarded ₦1bn in damages against her in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also declared her intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
Her decision to appeal was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko.
The judgment, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim in suit number HCL/16/2023, arose from comments made by the senator during a live appearance on The Morning Show on Arise News on November 4, 2022.
The remarks, which included serious allegations against the former governor, formed the basis of the defamation suit.
In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim held that the statements made by the defendant were injurious to the claimant’s character and reputation and were not justified by the evidence before the court, noting that all issues were resolved in favour of the claimant.
“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 restraining the senator, her agents, privies, and associates from making further defamatory statements against Bello on television, radio, and other media platforms.
In addition, it awarded ₦1bn as general damages in favour of the former governor.
Reacting to the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the judgment, insisting that the court failed to properly evaluate the evidence she presented 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 maintained that her comments were made in the public interest and 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 further confirmed that her legal team has begun the process of filing an appeal.
“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 ruling marks a significant twist in the long-running political and legal battle between both figures, drawing renewed attention to the intersection of political speech, media appearances, and defamation law in Nigeria.
With the senator heading to the appellate court, the case is set to enter a new phase that could further test the boundaries of free expression and reputational protection in the country.
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