See Why the Judge Denied FG’s Request to Arrest Senator Natasha
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central was on Monday, June 30, arraigned by the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge of alleged defamation against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Mohammed Umar granted the embattled lawmaker bail on self-recognition following her not guilty plea. Her counsel, Roland Otaru, SAN, had urged the court to grant bail, citing her status as a serving Senator and a senior member of the legal profession. The prosecution did not oppose the application, having failed to file a counter affidavit.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter until September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
Senator Natasha, accompanied to court by her husband Emmanuel Uduaghan and activist Aisha Yesufu, is facing her second arraignment in less than two weeks on similar allegations. She was previously arraigned before the FCT High Court on June 19 on a related defamation charge.
Monday’s proceedings also addressed a failed attempt by the prosecution to secure a bench warrant for the Senator’s arrest. Government counsel David Kaswe admitted that the charges had only been served on her lawyer in court that morning. Justice Umar, therefore, ruled it unreasonable to expect her appearance without prior service or notice and dismissed the arrest application.
The charges stem from allegations made by Senator Natasha during a live television programme, where she reportedly accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting her assassination.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, is prosecuting the case.
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