By Prosper Mene
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has granted suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, a N50 million bail following her arraignment on a three-count charge of alleged defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Justice Chizoba Orji, delivering the ruling on Thursday, rejected the Federal Government’s request to remand the senator in prison custody pending trial, citing sufficient evidence of her readiness to face the charges.
The court ordered Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide one surety, described as a person of integrity who owns landed property within Abuja, in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The trial has been adjourned to September 23, 2025, for further proceedings.
The charges are coming from allegations that the senator made defamatory statements, including claims that Akpabio and Bello plotted to assassinate her. These accusations reportedly followed a letter she wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), accusing the police of bias in handling her petitions against the Senate President. Additionally, the Federal Government alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed in a private conversation that the organs of late Iniubong Umoren were harvested for a politician’s wife, a statement deemed false and damaging to Akpabio’s reputation under Section 391 of the Penal Code.
The senator, who pleaded not guilty, was accompanied to court by her husband and associates. Her counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN), argued for bail on self-recognition, asserting that the charges were not indictable, while the prosecution, led by David Kaswe, pushed for her remand, citing a potential flight risk.
The case has drawn significant attention, with former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili describing the arraignment as “a case against all reasonable Nigerian people.” Witnesses listed for the trial include Akpabio, Bello, two police officers, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Sandra Duru. The proceedings are expected to shed further light on the allegations and defenses.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan is also challenging her six-month Senate suspension, linked to alleged breaches of parliamentary conduct and sexual harassment claims against Akpabio, with a separate suit pending before the Federal High Court, set for a ruling on June 27.
This court case will be significant in Nigeria, impacting respect in parliament, freedom of speech, and government accountability, making it a closely watched and important issue.
