A High Court in Lokoja has ordered Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, to pay ₦1 billion in damages to former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello over defamatory remarks.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, April 23, Justice A.S. Ibrahim ruled that the claimant successfully proved his case on the balance of probabilities, paving the way for one of the most high-profile defamation awards in recent times.
The court’s decision marks a significant legal victory for Bello and underscores the judiciary’s stance on reputational damage arising from public statements.
Details of the disputed comments were not immediately disclosed, but the ruling is expected to spark fresh debate over political speech and accountability in Nigeria’s public space.
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