The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, granted bail on self-recognition to suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing a six-count charge of alleged cybercrime. She pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stem from accusations that she made false and defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Federal Government alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed Akpabio had instructed Bello to ensure any plot to kill her should take place in Kogi State, so it would appear to be a local attack. The senator reportedly reiterated this claim during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, describing it as part of a meeting between the two politicians.
Prosecutors argued that her comments, which were widely circulated on digital platforms, were knowingly false and intended to provoke public unrest, thereby violating Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act. This provision prohibits the intentional spread of false information that could damage reputations or incite disorder.
Lead defence counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), urged the court to grant bail on the grounds of her status as a senator and a senior member of the legal profession. With no objection from the prosecution, Justice Mohammed Umar approved the request and scheduled the trial to begin on September 22.
