An FCT High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sum of ₦50 million after she pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal defamation filed against her by the Federal Government.
The charges relate to comments allegedly made by the Kogi Central senator during a live television programme on April 3, 2025, and in a telephone interview on March 27, 2025, where she claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to assassinate her.
Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Chizoba Orji held that there was no sufficient reason to deny bail, adding that the defendant had demonstrated readiness to appear in court.
Also Read: Defamation Case: Court Declines Bench Warrant for Natasha Akpoti
“The defendant has shown commitment to attending trial. There is no evidence before the court that she poses a flight risk or will interfere with the investigation or witnesses,” Justice Orji ruled.
The bail was granted with a condition that the senator must produce one surety in like sum who must reside within the Federal Capital Territory and own landed property in Abuja.
Earlier, prosecution counsel A.R. Tahir had urged the court to remand the senator in prison custody, citing the gravity of the offence. However, Justice Orji dismissed the application, affirming the constitutional presumption of innocence.
In her response after the ruling, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained her innocence, stating: “I stand by the truth and I believe that justice will prevail. These charges are politically motivated and meant to silence dissenting voices.”
The court adjourned the matter until 23 September 2025 for the commencement of trial.
The senator was first arraigned earlier on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to all the charges under Section 391 of the Penal Code, which are punishable under Section 392.
