The Federal Government on Monday arraigned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charges stem from public statements made by the lawmaker, in which she reportedly accused both men of plotting to assassinate her. The case is being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pleaded not guilty to all counts. Presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, granted her bail on self-recognition as a serving Senator and adjourned the matter to September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
Her legal counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN), argued in favor of bail, noting that she is a respected lawmaker and a senior member of the bar. He also pointed out that the prosecution had not filed any counter affidavit opposing the bail request.
Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared in court accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; prominent activist Aisha Yesufu; and a group of supporters.
This marks the senator’s second arraignment in less than two weeks. On June 19, she appeared before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on separate defamation-related charges. During that earlier hearing, the Federal Government sought a bench warrant for her arrest, but the judge dismissed the application on the grounds that the lawmaker had not been properly served with a court notice or charge beforehand.
In Monday’s arraignment, the government is relying on provisions of Nigeria’s cybercrime law to pursue charges related to her televised remarks in which she alleged that both Akpabio and Bello were conspiring to harm her. The Federal Government has maintained that her statements were defamatory and potentially inciteful, thus warranting prosecution.
The unfolding legal battle has drawn national attention, as the lawmaker remains a vocal critic of political figures within and outside her state. Supporters have described the charges as politically motivated, while the Federal Government insists it is acting within the bounds of the law.
The case resumes on September 22
