By Onyeanya Ebere
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday rejected the Federal Government’s request for an arrest warrant against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Muhammed Umar ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan could not be arrested as she had not been served the defamation charge or notified of her arraignment.
The prosecution had claimed her lawyer was served in court earlier that day, but the judge said personal service was required.
The court granted the prosecution’s request for substituted service through her lawyer and adjourned arraignment to June 30.
The Federal Government alleges that the senator made defamatory claims during an April 3 live TV interview, accusing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of plotting her assassination.
She is also accused of making damaging claims about Akpabio during a private phone call, suggesting links to organ trafficking.
The prosecution lists Bello, Akpabio, and others as witnesses.
The FG insists the remarks were reckless and intended to harm reputations.
