Drama In Courtroom: Senator Natasha Walks Free On Bail, Trial Date Announced
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has granted bail to the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the sum of ₦50 million.
Justice Chizoba Orji, who issued the ruling on Thursday, denied the Federal Government’s request to detain the embattled senator in prison custody ahead of her trial. The judge stated there was no compelling justification to deny her bail, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan had shown commitment to attend court proceedings.
As part of her bail conditions, she is required to provide a surety of reputable standing, who must own landed property within Abuja.
Justice Orji anchored the decision on constitutional and statutory grounds, referencing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), along with Sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The trial has been scheduled to commence on September 23, 2025.
Charges and Allegations
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a three-count charge brought by the Federal Government, centered on alleged defamation and dissemination of false information targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
According to case file CR/297/25, the charges stem from comments she made during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025, in which she alleged both men were involved in a plot to assassinate her.
The prosecution claims her remarks constitute “imputation,” made with knowledge or reason to believe they would damage the reputation of those named—an offense under Section 391 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 392.
FG Lists Key Witnesses
Six individuals have been listed as prosecution witnesses:
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello
- Police Investigators Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba
- Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
- Sandra Duru, allegedly the subject of another defamatory comment
In a related charge, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly told Duru during a private conversation that the organs of late Iniubong Umoren were harvested for a politician’s ailing wife—a claim the government asserts is defamatory and directed at Akpabio.
Background: Senate Suspension Dispute
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s trial coincides with her legal battle against a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate following a heated clash with Senate President Akpabio during the February 20 plenary.
Power Play: Akpabio Fumes as Natasha Claims Exclusive Access to President Tinubu
Kogi 2027: Natasha Hints at Governorship Bid, Sends Message to Ododo, Yahaya Bello
The suspension came after she persistently raised a point of order in protest of the reassignment of her Senate seat—despite being ruled out of order by Akpabio. She later alleged in a February 28 interview that her troubles with the Senate began after she rejected “unwanted advances” from the Senate President.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to deliver judgment on the legality of her suspension on June 27, 2025.
