Security operatives on Thursday morning flooded the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, ahead of the scheduled arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing a three-count charge of criminal defamation.
The charges were filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, accusing the lawmaker of making defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The high-profile case has attracted significant public attention and political tension, prompting the deployment of over 200 heavily armed police operatives to the court premises.
The officers were strategically positioned at all entry and exit points, surrounding streets, and within the court complex itself. According to court officials, the deployment was to forestall any potential breakdown of law and order before, during, or after the proceedings.
By mid-morning, the courtroom had become a hotspot of political activity, with loyalists of ex-Governor Yahaya Bello filling the seats, awaiting the arraignment initially scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Many of the attendees were observed wearing insignia associated with Bello’s political movement in Kogi State.
On the opposing side, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sympathizers—including prominent civil society figures—also arrived in force.
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Leading the group was former Minister of Education and human rights advocate, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, alongside several activists and women’s rights campaigners, who chanted solidarity messages and called for judicial fairness.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had not yet arrived at the court.
Inside the courtroom, legal counsels from both sides were already seated. A high-powered legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Roland Otaru, was present to represent Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
While the details of the case remain under seal until formally read in court, court sources indicate that the charges stem from statements allegedly made by the senator, which the prosecution claims amounted to malicious and false accusations against the Senate President and the former governor.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has been an outspoken critic of both the political establishment and former administrations in her home state.
Her vocal political stance and allegations against powerful figures have made her both a celebrated advocate and a controversial figure in Nigerian politics.
Legal analysts say the case could test the boundaries between free speech, political opposition, and defamation under Nigerian law.
With the courtroom filled to capacity and supporters massing outside, security around the court remained tight. Observers said the unusually large police presence reflects growing tension between rival political camps ahead of the proceedings.
Court officials hinted that if the crowd continues to grow or if disturbances arise, access to the courtroom may be restricted, and proceedings may be relocated or postponed.
The arraignment is expected to proceed later in the day unless delayed by procedural issues or security concerns.