A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has granted bail to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sum of N50 million, rejecting the Federal Government’s request to remand her in prison. Justice Chizoba Orji ruled that there was sufficient evidence to show the Senator is willing to stand trial. The court also required her to present one surety with a landed property in Abuja, referencing relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The trial was adjourned to September 23, 2025.
The Federal Government is prosecuting Akpoti-Uduaghan on a three-count charge of making false and defamatory claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. These claims were allegedly made during a live appearance on Channels Television, where she accused both men of plotting to assassinate her. The charge, marked CR/297/25, accuses her of knowingly making damaging imputations, thereby violating Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code.
Among the witnesses listed to testify against her are Senate President Akpabio, ex-Governor Bello, two investigating police officers, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Sandra Duru. The case follows a letter the Senator wrote to the Attorney-General, alleging bias by the police in the investigation of her petitions. Her allegations and public statements have intensified political tensions and drawn significant media attention.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 27 to determine the legality of her six-month Senate suspension, which followed a February 20 altercation with Senate President Akpabio during plenary. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims her troubles began after she rejected inappropriate advances from Akpabio. She is challenging the Senate’s disciplinary actions and seeks a court order to declare any decisions made during the suit’s pendency as null and void.
