Natasha Akpoti rejects N1bn defamation verdict

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has rejected the judgment of a high court in Lokoja.

The court had asked her to pay N1 billion in damages to Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, over defamatory remarks.

She relayed that the verdict would be challenged at the court of appeal.

BACKGROUND

On Thursday, in a judgment delivered by A.S. Ibrahim, presiding judge, the court ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan should pay N1 billion in damages to Bello over defamatory comments.

The suit, marked HCL/16/2023, arose from remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during an appearance on Arise Television on November 4, 2022, where she responded to allegations made against her by Bello.

The judge ruled that the statements, in which Bello was described as a “murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi state,” were defamatory and not justified.

The court resolved the issues formulated for determination in favour of the claimant.

The judge also issued a perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan, her agents or associates from making further defamatory remarks against Bello on television or radio.

‘IT DOESN’T END HERE’

Responding to the verdict, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the televised remarks were a direct response to “grievous accusations” of terrorism levelled against her by the ex-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.

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

Akpoti-Uduaghan added that the court failed to consider the evidence she presented in support of her claims. Thecable