N1bn: Yahaya Bello wins defamation suit against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Kogi State High Court has ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in damages to former Governor Yahaya Bello. In the judgment for suit No. HCL/16/2023, the court found that the senator, who represents Kogi Central, successfully defamed the former governor. The presiding judge ruled that the evidence provided by Bello’s legal team proved the case on the balance of probabilities.

The legal battle centered on an interview the senator granted on November 4, 2022, during a live broadcast on Arise TV. The court determined that the statements made during “The Morning Show” were intentionally damaging to the former governor’s public reputation. This ruling concludes a high-profile dispute that began over a year ago.

During the proceedings, the court took particular issue with the severe labels the senator used to describe the former governor. The judge noted that describing Bello as a “murderer,” “killer,” and “perpetrator of evil acts” was entirely unjustified. The court held that such language constituted a direct and harmful violation of his character.

In addition to the massive financial penalty, the court issued a perpetual injunction against the senator and her representatives. This legal order strictly restrains her from making any further defamatory comments about Bello on any broadcast or social media platform. The injunction is intended to protect the former governor from future character assassination by the defendant.

The case had previously survived a jurisdictional challenge after the defense argued that the suit was an abuse of the court process. However, the High Court maintained its authority to hear the matter, a position that was later affirmed by the Court of Appeal. The appellate court dismissed the senator’s previous challenges, clearing the way for this final verdict.

While the ₦1 billion award serves as significant compensation, it also acts as a legal warning regarding public discourse. Bello’s counsel argued throughout the trial that the claims made by the senator were baseless and politically motivated. As of now, the senator’s legal team has not indicated if they intend to appeal this latest judgment.