Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has pleaded not guilty to defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government and has been granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million.
Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, who presided over the case on Thursday, granted bail on the condition that the senator provides one surety who owns landed property within Abuja and is a responsible resident of the FCT.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central, is facing a three-count charge of alleged defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The prosecution cited Section 391 of the Penal Code and noted that the alleged offence is punishable under Section 392.
According to the charge sheet, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made statements during a television interview and in a phone conversation with one Sandra C. Duru that were deemed harmful to the reputations of Akpabio and Bello. One such statement accused both men of plotting to assassinate her. She is quoted as saying:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me… He then emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”
The Federal Government maintains that these statements were defamatory, claiming the senator made them knowing they could damage reputations.
At the court hearing, security presence was notable, and prominent figures such as her husband, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, activist Aisha Yesufu, and several supporters were in attendance.
Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe requested that the senator be remanded in custody. However, defense lawyer Roland Otaru argued in favor of her bail, saying she posed no flight risk, would not interfere with investigations or witnesses, and was entitled to the presumption of innocence under Nigerian law.
Justice Orji, in granting bail, affirmed that the charges were not capital offences and reiterated that the senator remained presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The trial has been adjourned to September 23, 2025. Akpabio and Bello are listed among the witnesses expected to testify.
