A Federal High Court has granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing a three-count charge filed by the Federal Government over alleged defamation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The court set bail at ₦50 million, with trial proceedings scheduled to commence on September 23, 2025.
The Senator, who represents Kogi Central, appeared in court accompanied by her husband, former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and prominent activist Aisha Yesufu. The show of solidarity from civic leaders and rights advocates has attracted nationwide attention.
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According to the charge sheet, the federal government accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” citing Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The charges are punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
One of the most serious allegations arises from a media interview in which the Senator reportedly claimed that Akpabio and Bello were involved in a conspiracy to eliminate her. The prosecution has named both Akpabio and Bello as key witnesses, signaling a courtroom battle that could further fuel political tensions and media interest.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not made an official statement since the court ruling, but her legal team is expected to mount a defense against what many of her supporters are calling politically motivated charges.
