Court Drama: Kogi Senator Natasha Secures Bail In Explosive New Case

Embattled Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been granted bail on self-recognition by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where she appeared on Monday for her second arraignment in a defamation case involving the federal government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Akpoti-Uduaghan voluntarily presented herself before the court over fresh allegations of defaming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The suspended Senator, who formerly represented Kogi Central, arrived at the court alongside her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, rights activist Aisha Yesufu, and several supporters.

It will be recalled that she was previously arraigned on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court over similar accusations. At that time, Justice Mohammed Umar declined the government’s request to issue a bench warrant against her for an earlier absence.

New Allegations

The federal government has now filed a six-count charge against Akpoti-Uduaghan (case no. CR/297/25), accusing her of falsely alleging an assassination plot. The charges stem from her comments during an April 3 live appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today and a separate speech in Kogi State.

She allegedly accused Bello and Akpabio of being part of a meeting where plans to assassinate her were supposedly discussed. The government argues that her statements were not only false but also damaging to the reputations of the two political figures, and thus violated Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act.

Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to all charges before Justice Muhammad Umar.

During proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, said he had not filed any objections to her bail but requested the court to impose terms ensuring her future attendance.

Defence counsel Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, confirmed that a bail application had been submitted since June 20. He argued that his client posed no flight risk and highlighted her past compliance in similar cases, noting she is a respected legal practitioner and represents five local government areas.

After hearing both sides, Justice Umar granted Akpoti-Uduaghan bail on self-recognition, acknowledging her legal status and prior record of court appearances.