At Last, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan arraigned for alleged defamation of Akpabio, Yahaya Bello — Granted ₦50m bail

Trial set to begin September 23

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Thursday arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a three-count charge of alleged criminal defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The charges, filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, border on what the prosecution described as “harmful imputations.”

Appearing in court alongside her husband and close associates, Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read.

Following her plea, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe urged the presiding judge, Justice Chisoba Oji, to remand the defendant in custody pending the outcome of the trial.

However, her counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), argued for her release on bail, noting that a formal bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution, with both parties having joined issues.

Otaru argued that his client posed no flight risk and would not interfere with ongoing investigations or witnesses. He also cited constitutional provisions that presume the defendant innocent until proven guilty, as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which supports the granting of bail for non-capital offences.

Opposing the bail application, the prosecution claimed the defendant had initially evaded service of the charges, a factor they said complicated efforts to commence prosecution.

In her ruling, Justice Oji noted that the offences were not capital in nature and emphasized that the defendant is still presumed innocent. She granted Akpoti-Uduaghan bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with one surety in like sum.

The surety, the court ordered, must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to September 23, 2025 for commencement of trial in suit number CR/297/25, filed on May 15, 2025.

According to the charge sheet:

• Count one accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of falsely alleging that Senate President Akpabio conspired with former Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her.
• Count two accuses her of making a similarly damaging claim about Bello, knowing it would tarnish his reputation.
• Count three alleges that she linked Senator Akpabio to the death of Miss Iniubong Umoren, a statement the prosecution says was knowingly defamatory.