CHIKUN/KAJURU REP, HON. FIDELIX BAGUDU, ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE. (PHOTO).
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court granted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, a ₦50 million bail after she pleaded not guilty to three counts of alleged defamation. The charges, filed by the Federal Government, involve claims that the senator defamed Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The court stipulated that the bail requires one surety, who must own landed property in Abuja and be a responsible resident of the FCT. Justice Orji adjourned the case to September 23, 2025, for trial commencement.
The arraignment drew significant attention, with security operatives deployed around the court premises. Attendees included the senator’s husband, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, activist Aisha Yesufu, and numerous supporters.
Prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe requested that Akpoti-Uduaghan be remanded in prison pending trial. However, her counsel, Roland Otaru, successfully moved a bail application, arguing that the senator posed no flight risk and would not interfere with the investigation or witnesses. Otaru cited the constitutional presumption of innocence and provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which favor bail for such offenses.
Kaswe opposed the bail, citing difficulties in serving the defendant with the charges. Nevertheless, Justice Orji ruled that the alleged offense was not capital and that the law presumes the senator’s innocence. She granted bail at ₦50 million with a surety meeting the specified conditions.
The charges stem from allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan made defamatory statements against Akpabio and Bello. One count relates to a television interview where she allegedly claimed Akpabio and Bello discussed plans to “eliminate” her, accusing Akpabio of withdrawing her security to make her vulnerable to attacks. Another count involves a March 27, 2025, telephone conversation with Sandra C. Duru, where she allegedly made further imputations against Akpabio. The charges are brought under Section 391 of the Penal Code, CAP 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, with penalties under Section 392.
The prosecution listed Akpabio and Bello as witnesses for the trial, which is set to begin in September 2025.
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