The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on self-recognition following her second arraignment over allegations of defamation brought against her by the Federal Government.
The bail application, filed by her legal team led by Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), was approved by Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over Monday’s proceedings. The case has been adjourned to September 22, 2025, for further hearing.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, appeared in court alongside her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; prominent human rights activist Aisha Yesufu; and a crowd of supporters, highlighting the growing public interest in the case.
The charges relate to allegations of defamation against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. This marks the senator’s second legal appearance in relation to the case, following an earlier arraignment on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
At that initial hearing, Justice Umar declined a request by the Federal Government to issue a bench warrant for her arrest, despite her absence in court.
Government prosecutor David Kaswe had confirmed during that session that the charges were only served to her legal representative on the morning of the hearing.
The judge ruled that since the defendant had not been formally served with the court notice, her absence could not justify the issuance of an arrest order.
The case stems from statements made by the senator during a live television broadcast, where she accused Akpabio and Yahaya Bello of conspiring to assassinate her.
The suit, filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, alleges that her comments amount to criminal defamation.
Previously, SaharaReporters reported on June 19, 2025, that the suspended senator was in court alongside her husband for her arraignment over the defamation suit.
According to the charge sheet obtained by SaharaReporters, and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, the senator is accused of saying that “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to ensure my killing is done in Kogi, so it appears like a local issue.”
The Federal Government had earlier in May filed a separate three-count charge against her, captured in suit number CR/1277/25, also relating to defamation of Akpabio and Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan faces charges bordering on cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and defamation under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. If found guilty, she may face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
