Kogi: Court Takes Action on Suit Against Senator Natasha

• Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan triumphed in a privacy violation suit filed against her in 2024 by the Kogi state governor’s chief of staff, Ali Bello
• However, the suspended federal lawmaker left the courtroom facing strong criticism from the judge over her behaviour on social media
• The judge, Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, upbraided the senator for her “reprehensible” social media post, which he adjudged to be unbefitting of her status

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering elections, politics, and governance in Nigeria.

Lokoja, Kogi state - A high court in the federal capital territory (FCT) has dismissed a privacy violation suit filed by Ali Bello against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Legit.ng reports that Ali is a nephew of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state.

As reported by Arise News, Sylvanus Oriji, the presiding judge, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, ruled that Ali Bello, the incumbent chief of staff to the Kogi state governor, Usman Ododo, failed to prove that Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kogi Central senator, violated his fundamental rights to privacy.

Premium Times also noted the court's stance.

In his ruling, Justice Sylvanus Oriji addressed three key issues: whether the X (formerly Twitter) post violated Bello’s privacy, the appropriateness of the senator’s actions, and the prayers sought by the applicant.

The judge concluded that the address referenced in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s post was a public space and did not mention Bello’s name. As such, the court dismissed the suit, denying the request for compensation and a public apology.

However, the judge criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, noting that the publication of the house address and picture on social media was inappropriate.

Oriji said:

“It is improper, reprehensible, and unconscionable for a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to post a picture of the applicant’s house and the house address in her X social media handle without just cause.

“Such conduct must be and is thereby deprecated by the court.”

'Kogi not focused on Natasha legal issues'

Meanwhile, Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner for information and communications in Kogi, explained that the state government is focused on development and internal governance, and not Senator Akpoti's ongoing legal issues.

Speaking on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in an interview with News Central TV, Fanwo said:

"As a government, we don't have any business with whatever travails or whatever she might be going through."

The video can be viewed below:

Read more on Senator Natasha:

• Natasha vs Akpabio: Oby Ezekwesili breaks silence on allegation of collecting bribe to back Kogi senator
• “Calculated resistance”: Legal expert dissects Senator Natasha’s ‘symbolic’ apology to Akpabio
• Usmanu Danfodiyo University includes Natasha-Akpabio saga in exam: "Look at questions 3, 4 and 5"
• Natasha vs Akpabio: Legal scholar sends strong warning message to Senate President’s lawyer

Natasha: Court fixes June 27 for judgment

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal high court sitting in Abuja fixed June 27 to hear the suit filed by Senator Natasha against her suspension from the senate.

Justice Binta Nyako made the pronouncement following the adoption of the final brief of argument by all the parties involved on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, listed the Clerk of the National Assembly; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Senate; and Senator Nedamwen Imasuen — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions — as defendants.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng