Natasha Pleads Not Guilty to Criminal Defamation Charges
Suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been granted ₦50 million bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja following her arraignment on fresh charges filed by the Federal Government.
She is facing a three-count charge of criminal defamation, stemming from a public statement made during a live Channels TV programme on April 3, 2025, where she alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello had plotted to assassinate her.
Bail Conditions and Court’s Position
Presiding Judge, Justice Christopher Oba, granted the senator bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety who must own a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The court held that the charges were bailable, and there was no evidence that the defendant posed a flight risk. Bail was also granted on self-recognition due to her status as a former lawmaker.
Trial Adjourned to September
The case has been adjourned to September 22, 2025, for trial.
Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to all three charges and maintains that her statements were made in good faith, following what she described as an attack on her family home, which she believed was politically motivated.
Background: Ongoing Tensions with Senate Leadership
Senator Natasha was suspended earlier this year after making explosive allegations against Senate President Akpabio, including claims of sexual harassment and political witch-hunting. Her continued public stance against what she describes as “a coordinated attack on dissenting voices in politics” has kept her in the national spotlight.
Legal analysts say the outcome of this case may have implications for political speech and the criminalisation of defamation in Nigeria.
