The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing a six-count charge related to alleged cybercrime offences. Justice Mohammed Umar approved the bail on self-recognizance, following an unopposed application by her legal counsel.
The suspended lawmaker, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, entered a not-guilty plea after the charges were formally read in court on Monday.
Federal prosecutors allege that Akpoti-Uduaghan made and repeated false claims targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello. One of the statements cited in the charge sheet accused Akpabio of urging Bello to ensure that any planned assassination attempt on her should occur in Kogi State to deflect attention from Abuja.
The prosecution contends that the statements, first made in private and later reiterated during a televised interview, were deliberately misleading and capable of inciting public unrest. Authorities argue that her remarks breached Section 24(2)(c) of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which penalizes the dissemination of false information intended to damage reputations or trigger disorder.
Lead defence counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), urged the court to consider Akpoti-Uduaghan’s status as a sitting senator and senior legal practitioner, requesting she be released on self-recognizance. He also noted that the prosecution did not oppose the bail request with a counter-affidavit.
Justice Umar granted the application and adjourned the matter to September 22 for the start of the trial.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding legal and political drama involving high-profile figures within Nigeria’s ruling class.
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