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Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja today, June 30, to face six counts of alleged defamation brought by the Federal Government. The charges involve accusations against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Justice Mohammed Umar presided over the case.
The suspended senator pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail on her own recognizance. The trial was adjourned to September 22, 2025, for the commencement of proceedings.
During the bail application, Senator Natasha’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Roland Otaru (SAN), requested bail on the basis of her status as a serving Senator and a senior legal practitioner. He further argued that the prosecution had not filed any counter affidavit challenging the bail request.
The senator was supported in court by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, activist Aisha Yesufu, and other well-wishers.
This hearing marks Senator Natasha’s second arraignment over similar defamation allegations involving Governor Bello and Senate President Akpabio. She was first arraigned on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
At today’s hearing, the judge dismissed the Federal Government’s request for a bench warrant to arrest Senator Natasha for allegedly missing the earlier trial. The prosecution’s counsel, David Kaswe, confirmed that the charge had been served on Senator Natasha’s attorney that morning in court. Justice Umar noted that since the senator had not been properly served with the charge or hearing notice prior to that day, it was unreasonable to expect her presence in court and therefore refused the prosecution’s application.
The defamation charges stem from Senator Natasha’s public allegation during a live television broadcast, where she accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.
