Defamation: Court grants Natasha Akpoti N50m bail, rejects FG’s remand request
Imoh Bright
Bail has been granted to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, in the sum of ₦50 million, rejecting the Federal Government’s bid to have her remanded in custody pending trial.
Justice Chizoba Orji, in her ruling on Thursday, held that the prosecution failed to justify why the suspended Kogi Central lawmaker should be denied bail, noting that the senator had shown “sufficient willingness” to face the charges against her.
As part of the bail conditions, Akpoti-Uduaghan is to provide one surety — a person of integrity who owns landed property within Abuja, as the matter has been adjourned to September 23 for trial commencement.
Natasha, who appeared in court alongside her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, was supported by prominent figures including former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu, as well as a number of loyal supporters.
The senator is facing a three-count charge of criminal defamation in suit number CR/297/25, filed by the Federal Government on May 16, 2025, which stems from allegations that she made false claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, with both listed as nominal complainants.
One of the charges accuses her of stating during a televised interview that the duo plotted her assassination and planned to disguise it as a mob attack, while another charge references a private phone conversation allegedly linking Akpabio to a controversial murder case involving organ harvesting.
Her arraignment follows weeks of political tension after her suspension from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct,” as the senator insists that the suspension was retaliatory — a response to her public accusations of harassment and power abuse by Senate leadership.
Following her claims, Akpabio petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, calling for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s investigation and prosecution over criminal defamation and incitement.
Bello filed a similar petition, accusing the senator of spreading falsehoods and attempting to incite unrest.
With a trial set for September, the case is expected to test the limits of free speech, legislative power, and the role of women in Nigeria’s political space.
Business Day NG