Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects ₦1 Billion Defamation Judgment Against Yahaya Bello
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has rejected a court ruling ordering her to pay ₦1 billion in damages in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello.
Court Judgment
According to a Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered in Lokoja on April 23, the court ruled in favour of the claimant after evaluating the evidence presented.
Justice A. S. Ibrahim, presiding over the case marked HCL/16/2023, held that the issues raised were resolved in favour of the former governor based on the balance of probabilities.
Senator Rejects Ruling
In a reaction issued through her Media Office in Abuja on Saturday, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said she strongly disagrees with the judgment.
She maintained that her legal team presented what she described as substantial and credible evidence, which she believes was not adequately considered by the court.
The senator also stated that her comments during a television interview were made in response to allegations against her and were not intended to defame anyone.
Next Legal Step
Akpoti-Uduaghan further argued that her statements were made in good faith and in the public interest, insisting she acted based on concerns raised by the people of Kogi State.
She confirmed that she would be heading to the Court of Appeal, adding that the matter is not concluded and she intends to pursue all lawful legal options available.
