Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has pleaded not guilty to a fresh six-count charge filed by the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charges, marked CR/297/25, accuse the lawmaker of making false claims that political rivals plotted to assassinate her, specifically naming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The prosecution alleged that Senator Natasha made these statements while addressing her supporters in Kogi and during an April 3 live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
According to the Federal Government, the senator claimed that Akpabio and Bello attended a meeting where they agreed on her elimination under the guise of mob action. The government argued that the accusations were knowingly false and damaging, violating Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently under a six-month suspension by the Senate, denied all allegations after the charges were read out before Justice Muhammed Umar.
The Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar, did not object to bail but requested conditions to ensure her attendance at trial. Defense counsel, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), noted that the senator is not a flight risk and is already out on bail from a similar case.
He emphasized her legal standing and responsibilities to her constituents in five Local Government Areas.
Justice Umar granted her bail on self-recognition, citing her status as a sitting senator and the bailable nature of the charges. The case was adjourned to September 22 for hearing.
What you should know
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a fresh defamation charge over claims that Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Bello plotted her assassination. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition, with her trial set to resume on September 22.
