The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, on self-recognition. The senator was arraigned on six counts related to alleged cybercrime offenses, specifically for making statements deemed false and damaging against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to all charges. The allegations stem from her claims that Akpabio instructed Bello to ensure any harm to her would appear as if committed by local people in Kogi, not Abuja. She reiterated these claims during a live interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, stating, “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night… to eliminate me.”
The Federal Government argued that these statements, widely circulated on digital platforms, were knowingly false and intended to incite unrest, violating Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act which prohibits spreading false information to damage reputations or provoke public disorder.
During bail proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), emphasized her status as a senator and senior lawyer, noting the absence of any counter-affidavit from the prosecution opposing bail. Justice Mohammed Umar granted bail on self-recognition and adjourned the trial to September 22.
Okay.ng reports that the court recognized her position as a public official and found no flight risk, allowing her freedom pending trial. The case continues to attract public attention as it involves high-profile political figures and serious allegations of defamation and cybercrime.
