The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail on self-recognisance to the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Udauaghan.
Akpoti-Udauaghan was arraigned on Monday on a six-count charge related to alleged cybercrime. She pleaded not guilty to all charges after they were read to her in court.
The charges stem from allegations that the senator made false and damaging statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. According to the prosecution, Akpoti-Udauaghan allegedly claimed 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 allegations during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, insisting: “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night… to eliminate me.”
The Federal Government argued that these statements, which circulated widely online, were knowingly false and aimed at inciting public unrest. It further contended that her remarks breached Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits the intentional dissemination of false information intended to harm reputations or provoke disorder.
During the bail hearing, Akpoti-Udauaghan’s lead counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), urged the court to grant bail on self-recognisance, citing her status as a senator and senior lawyer. He also noted that the prosecution did not file any counter-affidavit against the bail application.
Justice Mohammed Umar agreed with the defence and granted her bail on self-recognisance. The case was adjourned until September 22 for trial to commence.
ADEOLA KUNLE
