By Abbas Yunusa.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for the commencement of her defamation trial, drawing criticism over what many see as a blatant disregard for the judicial process.
The case, filed by the Federal Government on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, was slated for arraignment. However, when the matter was called, the senator was nowhere to be found.
Prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that although the charge was served through Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer that morning, her absence suggested deliberate avoidance. He urged the court to issue a bench warrant for her arrest.
“This morning, we served the defendant through her counsel, meaning she is aware of the proceedings but chose not to appear. We ask the court to issue a bench warrant for her failure to take her plea,” Kaswe argued.
But her lawyer, Jacob Usman (SAN), defended the senator, claiming he only received the charges moments before court began and that his client could not possibly have known to attend.
Despite the attempt to explain away her absence, observers questioned why a sitting senator facing serious allegations would not make efforts to be present in court.
The trial judge, Justice Musa Umar, refused to issue a warrant due to lack of direct service but approved substituted service through her counsel. The case was adjourned to June 30, 2025.
The case stems from defamatory remarks allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on a live TV programme on April 3, 2025, accusing Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
Her no-show, despite the gravity of the allegations, is being seen by critics as a dent on her credibility and a worrisome show of contempt for the law.
