The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined a request by the Federal Government to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over an ongoing defamation case.
According to The PUNCH, at Monday’s proceedings, Justice Musa Umar ruled against the prosecution’s request, stating that it would be improper to order an arrest when the defendant had not been personally served the charges.
The federal government is prosecuting the senator on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The case stems from alleged defamatory remarks Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly made during a televised interview on April 3, 2025. Among the claims were allegations of an assassination plot involving the two political figures.
Prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and noted the defendant’s absence. He added that the charge had been served on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative and requested that the court issue a bench warrant.
“We managed to serve the charge on her counsel this morning, which indicates the defendant is aware of today’s proceedings,” Kaswe argued. “We, therefore, ask the court to issue a bench warrant for her failure to appear.”
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead counsel, Jacob Usman (SAN), objected strongly to the application, calling it “uncourteous and strange.”
“The prosecution served me the charge just today at 9:15 a.m. within the court premises,” Usman stated. “My client has not seen the charge, so how could she have known to appear in court today? The request for a bench warrant is uncalled for and should be dismissed.”
Justice Umar agreed with the defence and questioned the rationale behind the arrest request.
“It would be unjust to grant a bench warrant when the defendant has not been properly served,” the judge said. “Service through counsel just this morning cannot be deemed adequate notice to the defendant.”
Instead of granting the arrest request, the court approved substituted service via the defendant’s counsel, following a revised application by the prosecution. The case was adjourned to June 30, 2025, for arraignment.
The defamation charge follows public statements by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a live television programme, where she allegedly implicated Akpabio and Bello in threats to her life.
