Court Grants Senator Natasha ₦50 Million Bail, Trial Begins September 23

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja, has granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sum of ₦50 million. The court also ordered that she must present one surety with property in Abuja.

Justice Chizoba Orji, who presided over the matter, rejected the federal government’s request to remand the senator in prison while awaiting trial. The judge ruled that there was no strong reason to deny her bail, especially since she had shown a willingness to appear in court.

Why She Was Charged

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing three charges filed by the federal government over statements she allegedly made on a national TV program. According to prosecutors, she falsely accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her.

The government claims her comments were damaging to the reputations of those involved and could stir public unrest. They are charging her under sections of the Penal Code that deal with false allegations and defamation.

What Comes Next

The court has fixed September 23 as the date for the trial to begin. Witnesses lined up to testify include the Senate President, the former Kogi governor, two police officers, and other individuals familiar with the case.

In a related case, the senator is also in court to challenge her six-month suspension from the Senate. She claims the suspension came after she clashed with the Senate President during a plenary session and refused his alleged advances, a claim she shared during a media interview.

Background

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was elected to represent Kogi Central in 2023. Her suspension and recent charges have sparked debates around freedom of speech, gender rights in politics, and political intimidation.

A separate court will rule on the legality of her suspension from the Senate on June 27.