Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Monday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime offences against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charges, filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), allege that the Senator made harmful imputations against the two politicians while making public comments and granting a television interview.
Senator Natasha, who arrived at the courtroom in the company of her husband, pleaded not guilty to the six-count criminal charge.
The charges stemmed from a petition submitted by Senate President Akpabio to the Inspector General of Police, alleging that Natasha damaged his reputation by accusing him of plotting her assassination in Kogi State. Following police investigation, the AGF’s office filed the charges under the Cybercrime Act.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, accuses the Senator of transmitting false and injurious information electronically, allegedly with the intent to incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order.
According to the charge sheet, on April 4, 2025, while addressing a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, Senator Natasha allegedly claimed that Akpabio instructed Bello to eliminate her. She reportedly repeated the allegation during a televised interview, suggesting a conspiracy to murder her.
After entering her not-guilty plea, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, requested a trial date. However, Natasha’s counsel, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), sought permission to move a bail application.
Prof. Otaru urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the defendant is not a flight risk, would not interfere with investigations or witnesses, and remains presumed innocent under the Constitution.
He also cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which encourages bail in such cases.
The prosecution did not oppose the application, stating only that bail should be granted on terms that ensure the Senator’s presence at trial.
Justice Mohammed Umar granted Senator Natasha bail on self-recognisance and adjourned the matter to September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
(The Guardian)
