Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail on Monday by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being arraigned on six counts of alleged cybercrime offenses. The charges accuse her of making false and defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan denied all allegations, which include claims that Akpabio instructed Bello to orchestrate an attack on her in Kogi to disguise the perpetrators. She maintained these assertions during a televised interview, stating that the alleged plot was discussed in a meeting between the two politicians.
The Federal Government contended that the senator’s statements were deliberately false and circulated to cause public disorder, in breach of the Cybercrimes Act. The prosecution did not oppose the bail application.
Her lawyer, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), argued that as a sitting senator and senior legal practitioner, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be granted bail on self-recognition. Justice Mohammed Umar agreed, granting bail and scheduling the trial for September 22.
This development follows earlier related charges and underscores the ongoing legal battle involving prominent political figures in Nigeria.