Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Federal Government filed six charges against her on Monday. The case borders on alleged cybercrime and defamation targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
Senator Natasha pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Mohammed Umar granted her bail on self-recognition, acknowledging her status as a sitting senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“There is no counter affidavit from the prosecution opposing our application for bail,” her counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN), told the court.
He asked the judge to consider her standing as a distinguished legislator and senior lawyer in granting the bail request.
Court Rejects Bench Warrant Bid at Previous Hearing
The case was adjourned to September 22, 2025, for the start of trial.
Senator Natasha arrived at court in the company of her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, and several supporters.
This is the second time in two weeks that she has been arraigned before a federal court.
Earlier on June 19, she faced defamation charges at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
At that hearing, the Federal Government requested a bench warrant for her arrest over failure to appear in court.
However, the request was denied by the judge.
The government’s counsel, David Kaswe, admitted that the charge was only served on Senator Natasha’s lawyer that same morning in court.
“It is inconceivable that the defendant would appear for a trial she was never informed about,” the judge ruled, refusing to grant the bench warrant.
Accusations Stem from Live TV Allegations
The charges stem from a live television appearance where Senator Natasha alleged that Akpabio and Bello were plotting to assassinate her.
The government deemed the allegation defamatory and charged her under cybercrime laws.
According to the charge sheet, the Attorney General of the Federation is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the state.
Despite the mounting legal pressure, Senator Natasha appears defiant.
She has continued to attend court proceedings flanked by supporters and advocates who believe she is being targeted for political reasons.
Her legal team insists that she will prove her innocence and present her case in court as the trial proceeds.
The senator’s bold allegations and legal battles, if anything, have continued to endear her to her supporters for standing up against those they see as political elite bullies.
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