Court Grants Natasha Bail on Fresh Charge of False Assassination Claims…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, on a fresh six-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of making false claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were involved in a plot to assassinate her.
According to the Federal Government, Akpoti-Uduaghan made these claims during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today and while addressing her supporters in Kogi State.
The government contends that these statements were intended to harm the reputations of Akpabio and Bello, constituting an offense under the Cybercrime Act.
During the court proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, did not object to her release on bail but requested the court to impose conditions that would guarantee her presence for trial.
Her defense counsel, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, assured the court that Akpoti-Uduaghan would be available for her trial, highlighting her status as a serving senator and senior legal practitioner.
Justice Muhammed Umar granted Akpoti-Uduaghan bail on self-recognition, noting that the charges are bailable and that she is a serving member of the National Assembly.
The court adjourned the matter to September 22, 2025, for hearing. The bail conditions were relatively lenient, taking into account Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position as a senator and her commitment to attending the trial.
The case has sparked controversy, with the Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) criticizing the Federal Government’s decision to charge Akpoti-Uduaghan with criminal defamation.
SERAP has called for the charges to be dropped immediately, arguing that this case undermines freedom of expression and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Prof. Otaru, has maintained that his client is innocent and that the charges are unfounded.
He has pledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan will cooperate fully with the court and attend all scheduled hearings.
The senator’s bail has been welcomed by her supporters, who argue that she is being unfairly targeted for exercising her right to free speech.
The Federal Government’s decision to pursue this case has raised concerns about the limits of free speech in Nigeria.
Many have argued that the government is using the courts to suppress dissenting voices and stifle criticism.
The case has also sparked debate about the role of the media in reporting on sensitive issues and the need for responsible journalism.
As the case progresses, Akpoti-Uduaghan will need to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian justice system while also defending her reputation.
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The outcome of the case will have significant implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria and the ability of public figures to criticize those in power.
The court has set a precedent by granting bail to a high-profile defendant in a case involving freedom of expression.
The case will continue to attract attention in the coming months, with many watching to see how the court will balance the need to protect reputations with the right to free speech.
In the meantime, Akpoti-Uduaghan will continue to serve as a senator, representing her constituents and participating in the legislative process.
Her case will serve as a test of the Nigerian justice system’s ability to handle sensitive cases involving public figures and freedom of expression.
The Federal Government’s pursuit of this case has sparked a national conversation about the importance of free speech and the limits of criticism.
Many Nigerians are watching the case closely, eager to see how the court will rule and what implications this will have for the country’s democracy.
As the trial approaches, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers will need to prepare a robust defense, gathering evidence and witnesses to support her case.
The senator’s reputation and freedom are on the line, and the stakes are high.
The outcome of the case will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s justice system and the rights of its citizens.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to grant Akpoti-Uduaghan bail has provided her with a temporary reprieve, but the case is far from over.
The senator will need to continue to defend herself against the charges, and the court will ultimately decide whether her statements were indeed defamatory.
The case will have significant implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria and the ability of public figures to criticize those in power.
