Judiciary Workers’ Strike Halts Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Defamation Arraignment

The arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on defamation charges was on Tuesday stalled due to the ongoing nationwide strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), throwing another delay into a politically sensitive legal battle.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a former senator representing Kogi Central, is facing allegations of defamation stemming from statements she allegedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. The arraignment was scheduled to take place at a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.

Court premises were deserted on Tuesday as judiciary workers fully complied with JUSUN’s indefinite strike action, which began on June 3 over unmet demands for financial autonomy and improved welfare conditions across the judicial system.

Legal representatives and parties involved in the case, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, were present at the court, but proceedings could not commence as courtrooms remained locked and administrative functions were paralyzed.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, one of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers expressed frustration at the development, stating, “While we support the judiciary staff’s right to demand better conditions, the disruption of court processes continues to undermine timely access to justice.”

The defamation suit, which has stirred political reactions across Kogi and national circles, is being closely watched. Many view it as part of a larger pattern of political rivalry and legal entanglements following the 2023 general elections.

JUSUN leadership has insisted the strike will continue until their demands are met, urging the federal and state governments to prioritize judicial independence and welfare to prevent further disruption of court operations nationwide.

No new date has been announced for the continuation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case.