Natasha Arraigned for Defamation, Granted ₦50m Bail Over Akpabio, Yahaya Bello Claims
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Thursday, June 19, arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on charges of criminal defamation.
The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, accuses her of making harmful imputations during a live television interview, allegedly targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Natasha appeared in court accompanied by her husband and a number of supporters. When the charges were read, she pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
The prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, representing the Federal Government, urged the court to remand her in prison until the conclusion of the trial. However, Natasha’s lawyer, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), applied for bail, arguing that the senator was not a flight risk and had no intention of interfering with investigations or witnesses.
Justice Chizoba Orji, in her ruling, acknowledged that the offence was not capital in nature and that the law presumes the senator innocent until proven guilty. The court granted her bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with one surety who must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned to September 23, 2025, for trial.
According to court documents (marked CR/297/25, filed on May 15, 2025), the charges are as follows:
Count One accuses Natasha of making a statement that harmed the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by alleging he plotted with Yahaya Bello to kill her.
Count Two claims a similar imputation was made against Yahaya Bello, with knowledge it would damage his reputation.
Count Three alleges she made a separate comment linking Akpabio to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren, a statement prosecutors argue was both reckless and damaging.
The trial, when it begins in September, is expected to attract national attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious nature of the allegations.
