Court Awards ₦1bn Damages Against Natasha in Bello Defamation Case

A High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in damages to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello in a defamation suit.

However, the senator has rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal. Her intention to appeal was disclosed 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 Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television on November 4, 2022.

The statements, which contained serious allegations against the former governor, formed the basis of the legal action.

In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim held that the remarks were defamatory and damaging to Bello’s character and reputation, noting that they were not supported by the evidence presented before the court.

He stated that all issues brought before the court were resolved in favour of the claimant.

“The interview granted by the defendant on November 4, 2022, on Arise TV’s 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 made without justification,” the judge ruled.

The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the senator, her agents, associates, and privies from making further defamatory statements against Bello across television, radio, and other media platforms.

Additionally, the court awarded ₦1 billion as general damages in favour of the former governor.

Reacting to the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the decision, arguing that the court did not properly assess the evidence 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 added. “I firmly believe that the truth was not adequately reflected in the court’s findings.”

She also confirmed that her legal team has begun the process of filing an appeal.

“We are proceeding to the Court of Appeal. This is not the end of the matter. We will explore all lawful avenues to ensure that justice prevails,” she stated.

The ruling marks a significant development in the prolonged political and legal dispute between the two figures, bringing renewed attention to issues surrounding political speech, media commentary, and defamation law in Nigeria.

With the case set to move to the appellate court, it is expected to enter a new phase that could further test the balance between freedom of expression and protection of reputation.