The Federal Government on Monday arraigned the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a fresh six-count charge.
The charges, filed under case number CR/297/25, allege that the embattled lawmaker falsely claimed that certain politicians opposed to her were plotting her assassination.
The prosecution contends that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made these allegations during a public address to her supporters in Kogi State, as well as during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on 3rd April.
Specifically, she is accused of naming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as participants in a meeting where her alleged elimination was discussed. The Federal Government further alleges that she insisted the two political figures had agreed that she should be killed under circumstances designed to appear as mob violence.
The charge sheet states that the defendant’s claims constitute false imputations capable of damaging the reputations of both Senator Akpabio and the former governor, thereby violating Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act. When the charges were read before Justice Muhammed Umar, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty.
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, informed the court that while he had not filed any objection to bail, he urged the imposition of conditions to ensure the defendant’s attendance throughout the trial.
Defence counsel, Professor Roland Otaru SAN, confirmed the filing of a bail application dated 20th June, assuring the court that his client—a serving senator representing five local government areas—posed no flight risk. He further noted that she had previously been granted bail by an Abuja High Court on similar charges and emphasised her standing as a senior legal practitioner.
After considering submissions from both sides, Justice Umar ruled in favour of granting bail on self-recognition, acknowledging the defendant’s status as a serving senator and the bailable nature of the offences. The case was adjourned to 22nd September for hearing.
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