Abuja — The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, has granted bail to suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the sum of ₦50 million, following her arraignment on a three-count charge brought by the Federal Government.
Justice Chizoba Orji, who presided over the proceedings, rejected the prosecution’s request to remand the senator in prison custody. In her ruling, the judge noted that the court found no compelling reason to deny the defendant bail, citing the senator’s willingness to stand trial and her cooperation with law enforcement.
The bail conditions include the provision of one surety, who must be a person of integrity and the owner of a landed property within Abuja. The court relied on Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and Sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, in reaching its decision.
The case has been adjourned to September 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
Allegations and Charges
The Federal Government is prosecuting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations that she made false and defamatory statements during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.
According to the charge marked CR/297/25, the senator is accused of alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were plotting to assassinate her—claims the prosecution says were made with intent to harm reputations and incite public unrest.
The charge states that her comments constitute an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code, and are punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
Witnesses and Legal Context
The Federal Government listed key figures as witnesses in the case, including:
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Former Governor Yahaya Bello
- Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
- Two police officers, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba
- Sandra Duru
The trial also comes in the wake of a formal complaint by Senator Natasha to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, accusing police investigators of bias in handling her petitions against Akpabio.
Background and Related Legal Battles
This development follows a series of controversies involving the senator, including her six-month suspension by the Senate, which she is contesting in a separate case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. That case, challenging the constitutionality of the Senate’s disciplinary action, is slated for June 27, 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims her ordeal stems from her refusal to succumb to unwanted sexual advances from the Senate President, allegations she made publicly in an interview on February 28.
She had earlier approached the court for an ex parte order declaring any action by the Senate during the pendency of her lawsuit, including her suspension, null and void.
The unfolding legal drama continues to generate widespread attention, with observers viewing it as a major test case on freedom of expression, gender dynamics in politics, and abuse of legislative power.
