The Federal High Court has granted bail to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on a fresh six-count charge filed by the Federal Government. The charge accuses the Kogi Central lawmaker of making false assassination claims against prominent politicians, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.
The allegations stem from statements Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made to her supporters in Kogi State and during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, where she claimed a plot to assassinate her was hatched by political opponents. The Federal Government contends that these claims were false and damaging to the reputations of the named individuals, constituting an offense under the Cybercrime Act.
During proceedings before Justice Muhammed Umar, the senator pleaded not guilty. The Director of Public Prosecution did not oppose bail but urged the court to impose conditions to ensure her attendance at trial. Counsel for the senator emphasized her status as a serving lawmaker representing five Local Government Areas and noted a prior bail granted by an Abuja High Court on a related charge.
Justice Umar granted bail on self-recognition, citing the bailable nature of the offenses and the defendant’s position as a sitting senator. The case was adjourned to September 22 for hearing.
