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Natasha Akpoti Trial Integrity Debate Sparks National Outcry Over Political Ethics

Natasha Akpoti trial integrity in question as civil society condemns alleged falsehoods; court set to try Kogi senator over harmful cybercrime allegations.

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Natasha Akpoti trial integrity

Natasha Akpoti trial integrity in question as civil society condemns alleged falsehoods; court set to try Kogi senator over harmful cybercrime allegations


Natasha Akpoti trial integrity has emerged as a national talking point after the Kogi Central senator was arraigned on a six-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, sparking sharp reactions from civil society and political observers.

Also read: Agbakoba issues second ultimatum to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to retract “False” harassment claim against Akpabio

On Monday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was docked before Justice Mohammed Umar over criminal charges brought by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The charges stem from public allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing them of plotting to assassinate her.

According to the Federal Government’s case, the offences fall under cybercrime and involve the electronic transmission of false and injurious content. The charges claim that her actions were calculated to defame, incite public tension, and endanger lives.

In response to the development, the Coalition Against Impunity, a civil society organisation, described the case as more than a personal legal battle. In a strongly worded statement, the group declared that the trial represents a broader test of truth and integrity in Nigeria’s political culture.

“This is not just a trial of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; it is a trial of integrity in Nigerian politics,” the group’s chairman, Olufemi Ayoade, said.

“And when the dust settles, let it be known that those who lie to the nation, incite false alarms and drag the reputation of others through the mud will be held accountable.”

Ayoade accused the senator of abusing public trust by launching “reckless and unsubstantiated attacks” against national leaders, warning that political discourse must not be reduced to sensationalism and personal vendettas.

“It is no coincidence that these allegations emerged at the height of political tensions,” he stated. “A classic script from the playbook of a desperate politician who mistakes media popularity for credibility. But lies, no matter how loud, eventually collapse under the weight of truth.”

The senator, who has built a reputation as a vocal critic of the political establishment in Kogi and Abuja, has yet to issue a detailed public defence since her arraignment. She pleaded not guilty in court, and the trial was adjourned to 22 September 2025 for commencement.

Legal analysts note that the trial may set an important precedent for how allegations made by politicians through the media are treated under Nigerian law. The inclusion of cybercrime-related charges indicates the government’s intention to crack down on harmful digital speech.

Ayoade added that “Today marks a defining moment in the fight against reckless political propaganda and the weaponisation of falsehood for personal and political gain.”

He urged Nigerians to pay close attention as the case progresses, saying the rule of law must prevail over emotion and political bias. “The era where politicians make outlandish claims without consequence must end,” he said.

Observers believe the case could redefine the limits of political expression, especially in the context of defamation, misinformation, and national security.

Supporters of Natasha Akpoti, however, insist that the trial is politically motivated and intended to silence a persistent critic. Some online commentators argue that the charges are part of a broader pattern of intimidation against female politicians.

Yet, others argue that if proven false, such serious claims should not go unpunished. “You can’t just accuse people of attempted murder in the media and not expect the law to investigate,” one commenter posted.

Also read: Supporters defy ban for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming rally in Kogi

As the political and legal drama unfolds, the country watches closely, awaiting what could be a landmark judgment in Nigeria’s evolving democratic narrative.

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Araraume’s victory at the APC senatorial primary election: A resurgence of political structure in Imo North

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Senator Ifeanyi Araraume records a landslide Araraume Imo APC primary victory across Imo North wards in a decisive party contest (more…)

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Ondo APC Primaries, Allegations Against Governor Aiyedatiwa,False, Malicious and Criminal- AG

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False Claims Against Aiyedatiwa dismissed by Ondo Attorney General, who says APC primaries complied with due process and the law (more…)

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I Won Delta North APC Primary, Results Manipulated- Ned Nwoko

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The senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko has said that he won the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North Senatorial primary. He adding that government manipulated the APC primaries to favour Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

He further claimed that he defeated Ifeanyi Okowa at the Delta North senatorial primary.

Nwoko stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Asaba.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, claiming the process lacked transparency and fairness.

“The process was manipulated from day one. The State Government. It’s something that they conspired to produce results for what they saw, or what they produced,” he alleged.

Senator Nwoko further stated that his camp possesses copies of the ward-by-ward results as well as video evidence from the primaries, adding that the materials had already been submitted.

“We have submitted them. Halfway through the primary, we got a message on our phones that no results should be announced at the ward level—that they should be collected and then announced later at the national in Abuja. We’ll announce the results. And so, we thought we’d be law-abiding. And suddenly, we saw some news. We saw only that one video—of one of the wards in Ika North East, which is a ward where the major assistant known to everybody that worked with the Governor, they are from that particular village, next to the Governor’s village. It was just one video, showing three people in a line, and then the rest that were probably not more than 500. That’s what I saw in the video. Although in the result, they said there were 5,000,” he explained.

Nwoko maintained that the video showing Ifeanyi Okowa being declared winner represented only one ward out of the 98 wards involved in the exercise. He challenged party officials to release results and supporting evidence from the remaining wards to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.

The statement further reads
“I want you to understand something. The video that you saw, where Ifeanyi Okowa was announced as the winner, just one video from one ward out of 98 wards. Maybe they should show us other videos. They must show us the figures,” he insisted.

The senator said he would reject any outcome upheld by the APC national leadership if it contradicts what he described as the genuine mandate of party members at the primaries.

“I wouldn’t accept. Because I have a mandate. I have a mandate by the people,” he said.

The statement threw more light on the allegations of intimidation and violence in areas considered to be Nwoko’s
strongholds,

It reads “the reports of intimidation and violence during the primaries are isolated incidents that did not affect the overall outcome.

“They were just isolated cases, maybe in about 10 wards out of 98. Not enough to make a difference,” he added.

“I left the PDP due to limited freedom to operate as a senator, alleging interference in projects and decision-making by the state leadership.

“I was in PDP. I got elected as a PDP Senator. But I realized that my people there—the Governor, Okowa himself—you know, didn’t allow me to operate freely.”

“I’m stating categorically and unequivocally that high voter turnout and video evidence from across wards demonstrated clear support for my candidacy in all 98 wards.

“They came out in mass to vote for me. It’s also an indication of who they want. I’m referring to all the videos! I hope that you should also have some videos to show you. As simple as that,” he maintained.

“I expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would intervene to review the process, while maintaining that he remained committed to the party and would not act against its interests.

“I’m not going to say I’m going to work against the party; I’m going to work for the party. But I can assure you of this: I’m sure that the President will intervene in this matter.”

“We have submitted the results from the 98 wards, with the videos. I’m not worried. I’m not thinking about working against the party, and I wouldn’t do that because of the interest of the people that make up the party, the masses. And of course, I said because also I am confident that the President will intervene in a matter of this nature,” the statement reads

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