Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan leaves the FCT High Court after being granted ₦50 million bail, 19 June 2025
Nigeria’s political and legal circles are abuzz as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was arraigned and granted N50 million bail on Thursday, following defamation allegations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Appearing before Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, the outspoken lawmaker pleaded not guilty to all three counts brought against her by the Federal Government.
The charges centre on alleged statements made by the Senator during a television interview and a recorded phone conversation, in which she claimed her life was in danger following meetings between Akpabio and Bello.
“Akpabio then emphasized that I should be killed… but I should be killed in Kogi,” she had alleged.
COURTROOM DRAMA
The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense, with heavily armed security operatives stationed around the premises. In a show of solidarity, high-profile figures including former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu attended the session.
In granting bail, the court stipulated a N50 million bond and one surety with a landed property in Abuja, who must be a responsible resident of the FCT.
The case has been adjourned to September 23, 2025, for trial.
According to the charge sheet, the Federal Government accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of:
- Making statements “likely to harm” reputations, in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code.
- Repeating the allegations in a phone conversation on March 27, 2025, with one Sandra C. Duru.
- Imputing that the Senate President and the former Kogi governor were part of a plot to eliminate her.
If convicted, the offence is punishable under Section 392, which carries potential jail time.
POLITICAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
The case raises fresh questions about free speech, defamation laws, and the safety of whistleblowers in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Supporters of the Senator argue that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing a vocal critic of powerful men.
Meanwhile, government prosecutors insist that the rule of law must prevail, regardless of public office
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