Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Granted ₦50M Bail Over Defamation Charges Involving Akpabio, Yahaya Bello
In a high-stakes legal drama with far-reaching political implications, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been granted ₦50 million bail by Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, following her not guilty plea in a federal defamation case.
The female lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was arraigned on three counts of alleged defamation stemming from controversial statements made about Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charges, filed by the Federal Government, accuse Akpoti-Uduaghan of making “harmful imputations” likely to damage the reputation of the individuals mentioned — an offense under Section 391 and punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, CAP 89, Laws of the Federation (1990).
Bail Terms and Trial Update
The judge approved bail on the condition that Akpoti-Uduaghan presents one surety with landed property in Abuja, who must also be a responsible resident of the FCT. The case was adjourned until September 23, 2025, for the start of trial proceedings.
Security presence was tight around the court as supporters, activists, and key political figures showed up in solidarity. Notably in attendance were her husband, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and vocal activist Aisha Yesufu.
Sen. Natasha H Akpoti
💬The Allegations and the Fallout
One of the charges relates to a television interview where the senator claimed that Senate President Akpabio and Yahaya Bello conspired to assassinate her, stating:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me… He emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”
A second charge involved a recorded phone call with Sandra C. Duru, in which similar statements were made. The prosecution has listed both Akpabio and Bello as witnesses expected to testify during the trial.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has vehemently denied all accusations, framing the charges as an attempt to silence female political voices and deflect public scrutiny from Nigeria’s ruling elite.
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