The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday refused to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her failure to appear in court for arraignment in a criminal defamation suit.
The case, filed by the Federal Government on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, stems from alleged defamatory remarks made by the senator during a live interview on Channels Television on April 3, 2025, where she reportedly accused the duo of plotting to assassinate her.
At the hearing on Monday, prosecuting counsel, Mr D.D. Kasue, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment but that Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent.
Kasue said, “It was this morning that we were able to serve the defendant through her counsel, but the defendant is not in court.
“So it means the defendant is aware of this matter but decided not to appear in court. In light of this, I apply that a bench warrant be issued against her.”
However, counsel to the defendant, Jacob Usman (SAN), swiftly objected to the application, stating that his client had not been properly served with the charge and had no way of knowing that she was required to appear in court.
Usman told the judge, “I was served the charge at 9:15 this morning here in court.
“How will the defendant know that the matter is coming up when she has not seen the charge? I find the application strange and it should be dishonoured.”
He also disclosed that he had contacted the prosecution earlier to inform them that Akpoti-Uduaghan had authorised him to receive the charge on her behalf, adding that seeking a bench warrant under such circumstances was “made in bad taste.”
Presiding judge, Justice Musa Umar, ruled that since the defendant had not been personally served, it would be inappropriate to issue a warrant for her arrest.
“It is impossible to grant the application for a bench warrant when the defendant has not been properly served,” Justice Umar said.
The court instead granted a request for substituted service through her counsel, allowing the matter to proceed at a later date.
The court adjourned the matter to June 30 for arraignment.
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