By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge of defamation instituted against her by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over proceedings, also granted Sen. Natasha bail in self recognizance following a motion moved by her team of legal counsel led by Prof. Roland Muktar, SAN, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, M. B. Abubakar.
The new charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/25, and filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on May 22, 2025, were based on comments allegedly made by the female Senator, which the government claimed were damaging to the reputations of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
The charges are premised on Section 392 of the Penal Code and Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition) Act, 2024 (as amended).
After the six-count charges were read to Senator Natasha and she took her plea, the prosecution counsel asked the court for a date for them to present Witnesses.
However, defence counsel reminded the court that they have a motion on notice for bail filed June 20, 2025 and sought the leave of the court to move it.
Arguing for bail, Prof. Muktar told the court that the prosecution has not filed a counter affidavit to the motion leaving the issue to the discretion of the court.
When asked for his position on the matter, prosecution counsel, Abubakar did not opposed it.
“We were served the motion but if the court is minded to grant it and take steps to ensure her attendance at trial we shall not be opposing it,” he said.
Further advancing his motion, Prof. Muktar said they have a 36 page paragraph affidavit sworn to by the defendant herself along with four exhibits.
He added that they are also summiting another eight paragraph affidavit sworn to by one Ameh Audu and marked exhibit E.
Prof. Muktar said the defense is relying on all the affidavits and exhibits as well as as their written argument to urge the court to grant the defendant bail on self recognizance.
The defense counsel noted that; “Sen. Natasha is a notable lawyer, a Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, she is not a flight risk and the prosecution did not file a counter affidavit.”
He added that from Exhibit E, Sen. Natasha is already enjoying a bail granted by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in a similar suit.
Ruling, Justice Umar granted Sen. Natasha bail on self recognizance and adjourned the matter to September 22, 2025 for continuation.
