ABUJA, Nigeria — Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Thursday granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sum of ₦50 million, following her arraignment on three counts of alleged criminal defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Kogi Central lawmaker, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, was ordered to provide one surety—a responsible resident of the FCT—who must own landed property within Abuja.
The judge adjourned the case until Tuesday, September 23, 2025 for the commencement of trial.
The case, brought by the Federal Government, accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory statements with the intent—or reasonable belief—that they would harm the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello.
The prosecution cited a television interview in which the Senator alleged that both men had plotted her assassination.
In her remarks, Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly said:
“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks. He then emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”
She was also accused of repeating similar statements during a telephone conversation with one Sandra C. Duru on Friday, March 27, 2025.
The charges were filed under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
Section 392 prescribes punishment for defamation, which may include imprisonment or fines.
Tight security was observed around the court premises as the hearing took place.
Among those present in the courtroom were the lawmaker’s husband, former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, and a large contingent of supporters who chanted slogans of solidarity outside.
The prosecution’s list of witnesses includes both Godswill Akpabio and Yahaya Bello, who are expected to testify during the trial.
The high-profile case has already drawn national attention, highlighting the growing tension between political figures and raising questions about freedom of speech, political dissent, and legal redress in Nigeria’s democracy.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained publicly defiant, maintaining her innocence and describing the charges as politically motivated.
