Senator Natasha Granted Bail On Self-recognisance

Senator Natasha granted bail on self-recognisance over cybercrime charges.
FG alleges false statements against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello.
Trial adjourned until September 22, 2025.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail on self-recognisance to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently under suspension as the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime. She pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to her in court.

The charges stem from allegations that the senator made false and damaging claims against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

According to the Federal Government’s charge, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly stated that “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done in Kogi, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me.”

She reportedly repeated the allegation during an appearance on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’ programme, saying, “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night… to eliminate me.”

The Federal Government accused the senator of knowingly making false statements capable of inciting public unrest. Prosecutors argued that her comments were widely circulated via digital platforms and contravened Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits the intentional dissemination of false information aimed at damaging reputations or provoking disorder.

During the bail hearing, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), requested bail on self-recognisance, citing her status as a serving senator and senior member of the legal profession. He noted that the prosecution did not file a counter-affidavit opposing the bail request.