Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the sum of ₦50 million in an ongoing defamation case instituted against her by the Federal Government.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered her to produce one surety in like sum. The surety must reside within the Abuja Municipal Area Council and own verifiable landed property.
The senator pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on defamation, brought against her by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to the charge marked CR/297/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of making defamatory claims against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The Federal Government alleges that during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025, and in a phone call with one Sandra C. Duru on March 27, 2025, the senator claimed that both men conspired to plan her assassination.
Prosecutors argue that the statements were made with full knowledge that they could tarnish the reputation of the individuals mentioned.
Senate President Akpabio, Yahaya Bello, and four others have been listed as prosecution witnesses in the case.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing as the court prepares to commence trial on the merit of the case.
