by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Thursday granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sum of ₦50 million, following her arraignment on charges of alleged defamation.
The Kogi Central lawmaker, who pleaded not guilty to all counts, was granted bail on the condition that she provide one surety. The surety must own landed property within Abuja and be a responsible resident of the FCT.
The judge adjourned the case until September 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned by the Federal Government on a three-count charge of alleged defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Heavy security presence was noted around the court premises during the proceedings. Among those in attendance were her husband, former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, and several supporters.
According to the charges, the government alleged that the senator made damaging statements knowing they could harm the reputations of Akpabio and Bello—an offense under Section 391 of the Penal Code, and punishable under Section 392.
One of the charges stemmed from a television interview in which Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. In the interview, she reportedly said:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. Let’s ask the Senate President, why did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks? He then emphasized that I should be killed—but in Kogi.”
Another count alleged that during a phone conversation on or around March 27, 2025, with one Sandra C. Duru in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan repeated similar accusations about Akpabio.
Both Akpabio and Bello are listed as key witnesses expected to testify during the trial.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied all allegations, insisting on her innocence as the legal battle unfolds.