Court grants Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦50m bail

An Abuja High Court on Thursday granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million to suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing a three-count charge of alleged defamation.

The charges, brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, center on defamatory statements allegedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who arrived in court with her husband and associates, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.

Following her plea, prosecution counsel David Kaswe asked Justice Chizoba Oji to remand her in custody pending the court’s decision on bail. However, the senator’s lawyer, Prof. Roland Otaru, argued that the bail application was ripe for hearing and urged the court to grant it.

Otaru assured the court that his client was not a flight risk and would not obstruct investigations or interfere with witnesses. He also cited the Nigerian Constitution, which presumes her innocent, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which favours granting bail for non-capital offences.

The prosecution opposed the bail request, arguing that efforts to serve the defendant were challenging, implying a risk of non-compliance.

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In her ruling, Justice Oji held that the offence was not capital in nature and granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

The court adjourned the trial until September 23, 2025.

The charges include allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly made harmful imputations linking Akpabio and Bello to plots to harm her and, in a separate count, associated Akpabio with the death of Miss Iniubong Umoren.

NAN