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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects N1 Billion Defamation Judgment, Vows Appeal

From ThisDay · (16m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging a N1 billion defamation judgment awarded against her by the Kogi State High Court.
  • The judgment stemmed from statements made on Arise Television in November 2022, where she responded to allegations made by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
  • Akpoti-Uduaghan argues her remarks were a justified exercise of her right of reply and that the court did not adequately consider the evidence presented, vowing to appeal the decision.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has firmly rejected a N1 billion defamation judgment handed down by the Kogi State High Court, signaling a determined legal battle ahead. The senator, representing Kogi Central, has declared her intention to appeal the ruling, which she believes failed to adequately consider the evidence and context of her statements.

I went on national television to respond to allegations made against me

— Senator Natasha Akpoti-UduaghanThe senator explained her motivation for speaking on Arise TV.

The case originated from comments made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a November 4, 2022, appearance on Arise Television's 'The Morning Show.' During the program, she addressed allegations previously leveled against her by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The senator maintains that her televised remarks were a necessary response to these accusations and an exercise of her fundamental right to reply.

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

— Justice A. S. IbrahimThe judge's ruling on the defamatory nature of the senator's statements.

Justice A. S. Ibrahim, presiding over the case, ruled that the senator's statements were defamatory and not justified by the evidence presented. The court not only ordered the N1 billion damages but also issued an injunction against further defamatory statements. However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has countered that her legal team presented substantial evidence supporting her position, which she feels was not given due consideration.

We presented evidence before the court to support our position, but we believe it was not adequately considered

— Senator Natasha Akpoti-UduaghanThe senator expressed her belief that her evidence was not properly evaluated.

This legal contest highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of reputation within Nigeria's political arena. From the perspective of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters, this case is about more than just a defamation suit; it is about the right to respond to public allegations and engage in critical discourse without undue legal penalty. The senator's commitment to pursuing the appeal underscores a belief in the appellate process and the importance of ensuring that justice is served, particularly when public figures engage in public debate.

This matter does not end here. We will seek redress at the Court of Appeal

— Senator Natasha Akpoti-UduaghanThe senator confirmed her intention to appeal the judgment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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