Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Thursday arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on charges of defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adosa Bello.

 

The charges, brought by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, allege that the senator made damaging statements during a televised interview—accusations classified as harmful imputations under the law.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was accompanied to court by her husband and several supporters, pleaded not guilty to all three counts when they were read before Justice Chizoba Orji.

 

Federal Government counsel, David Kaswe, requested that the court remand the senator in prison custody pending the outcome of the trial. However, her legal counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), opposed the request and successfully moved her bail application, arguing that she is not a flight risk and would not tamper with investigations or witnesses.

 

Otaru further stressed that the Nigerian Constitution presumes the senator innocent and that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act encourages the granting of bail for such offences.

 

While the prosecution argued that serving the charges had proven difficult, Justice Orji ruled in favor of the defence. She granted Akpoti-Uduaghan bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety in the same amount. The surety must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

 

Justice Orji emphasized that the offence is not capital in nature and reiterated the presumption of innocence. She then scheduled the trial to begin on September 23, 2025.

 

According to the charge marked CR/297/25, filed on May 15, the senator is accused in:

 

Count One: Of claiming that Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Bello conspired to assassinate her, a statement deemed harmful to Akpabio’s reputation.

 

Count Two: Of making a similar claim damaging to Yahaya Bello’s reputation.

 

Count Three: Of associating Akpabio with the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren, an allegation considered defamatory.