Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail on self-recognition by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday. This follows her arraignment on fresh charges brought by the Federal Government.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, appeared in court for the second time regarding allegations of defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. She was accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, and supporters.
The new six-count charge (CR/297/25) accuses the Senator of making a false claim of an assassination plot. The Federal Government alleges she stated on April 3, during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” and while addressing supporters in Kogi State, that Bello and Akpabio agreed she should be killed in Kogi State under circumstances resembling mob action. The prosecution contends this claim constitutes a false imputation damaging to their reputations, an offence under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act.
Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to the charges before Justice Muhammad Umar. The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, stated he had not filed documents opposing bail but requested the court impose conditions ensuring her attendance at trial.
Her counsel, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, informed the court he had filed a bail application on June 20. Otaru argued his client is not a flight risk, represents a constituency covering five Local Government Areas, and is a senior member of the legal profession. He noted an Abuja High Court had previously granted her bail on similar charges.
Justice Umar granted bail on self-recognition. The judge stated it was undisputed that Akpoti-Uduaghan is a sitting Senator and that the charges against her involved bailable offences. The case was adjourned until September 22 for further hearing.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously appeared before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on June 19 on similar charges. Justice Umar had denied the Federal Government’s request for a bench warrant against her during that prior hearing. She is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate.
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