In a dramatic courtroom development that has captured national attention, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan bail in the sum of ₦50 million, rejecting a motion seeking her remand in custody pending trial.
Presiding Justice C.N. Oji, delivering the ruling on Wednesday, dismissed the prosecution’s plea for pre-trial incarceration, instead opting to allow the suspended senator her temporary freedom under strict conditions. The court also fixed September 23, 2025, as the date for commencement of full trial in the high-profile defamation case.
The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, arrived at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, alongside her husband and political ally, Emmanuel Uduaghan, a former governorship candidate. The couple, dressed in coordinated native attire, were seen entering the courtroom around 10:30 a.m., ahead of the scheduled 11:00 a.m. session.
Heavily armed operatives of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) secured the court premises, blocking supporters and members of civil society groups from accessing the courtroom, creating a tense atmosphere.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is being prosecuted over alleged defamatory statements made against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The explosive allegations were said to have been made during a live interview on Channels TV and at a public event in April 2025.
The charges, brought forward by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, accuse the senator of disseminating false information through digital platforms—a violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly claimed, “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to ensure my killing is done in Kogi, so it appears like a local issue.”
The Federal Government sees these allegations as a calculated attempt to malign the image of two top-ranking political figures and destabilize public trust in government institutions.
In addition to the current six-count charge in suit CR/297/25, the government had previously filed a separate three-count charge under CR/1277/25, also hinging on defamation, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted, the senator could face a lengthy prison term and be permanently disqualified from holding public office.
As the courtroom emptied and proceedings were adjourned, Natasha’s husband remained by her side, offering quiet support. Outside, tensions continued to rise, with many of her loyal supporters vowing to protest what they described as a politically motivated trial.
All eyes now turn to September 23, when the legal fireworks are expected to begin in earnest in what promises to be one of the most sensational political trials of the year.
PIONEER NEWS 