Court grants N50m bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in criminal defamation case

An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday granted bail in the sum of N50 million to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly.

The lawmaker is facing a three-count charge of criminal defamation brought against her by the federal government.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Chizoba Orji rejected the prosecution’s request to remand the senator in prison pending trial, citing a lack of justification for such detention. The judge held that the defendant had demonstrated a willingness to face trial and had no history of absconding.

As part of the bail conditions, the court mandated that Akpoti-Uduaghan must produce one surety, who must be a person of integrity and own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory.

The trial has been adjourned to September 23, 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared in court accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, as well as former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and rights activist Aisha Yesufu, alongside several supporters.

The senator was arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal defamation under Section 391 of the Penal Code, with the case filed on May 16, 2025, under suit number CR/297/25.

READ ALSO: Heavy police presence at Abuja High Court as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan faces defamation arraignment

The charges are linked to alleged defamatory statements made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, both of whom are listed as nominal complainants.

According to the charge sheet, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of making statements “knowing or having reason to believe” that such statements would harm the reputation of others—an offence punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code.

In one count, the senator allegedly accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her, a claim she made during a television interview. Another count relates to remarks made in a private phone call with one Sandra C. Duru on or about March 27, 2025, in which she reportedly made further damaging claims about Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The case comes in the wake of a highly publicised standoff between the senator and the leadership of the Senate, culminating in her suspension from the red chamber on March 6, 2025.

The Senate leadership described her actions as “gross misconduct” linked to an altercation over seating arrangements, though Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that she was targeted for speaking out about alleged harassment by Akpabio.

Following her suspension, the senator filed multiple petitions against Akpabio and Bello, including allegations of an assassination plot and efforts to recall her from office.

In response, both Akpabio and Bello petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, demanding her prosecution for defamation, incitement, and false accusations.

The high-profile nature of the case has sparked national attention, with civil society groups closely monitoring developments as the trial approaches.