Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, was brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
She was given bail by the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, based on her status as a senator and a lawyer.
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Her lawyer, Chief Roland Otaru (SAN), said she has never tried to run away from legal matters, and the judge agreed.
Senator Natasha pleaded not guilty to six charges. The charges are about statements she made during a speech and a TV interview, where she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of planning to have her killed in Kogi State with the help of former governor Yahaya Bello.
The Federal Government, represented by Mr. Mohammed Abubakar from the Director of Public Prosecution’s office, did not oppose her bail. He only asked the court to ensure she attends her trial.
The trial will begin on September 22.
The charges against Natasha are based on cybercrime laws. The government says she used electronic means to spread false and harmful information that could damage the reputation of Akpabio and Bello, and also cause public unrest.
One of the charges says that on April 1, 2025, while speaking in Ihima, Kogi State, Natasha said:
“Akpabio told Yahaya Bello that if I’m to be killed, it should not happen in Abuja but here (in Kogi), so it looks like the people here did it.”
This statement was allegedly shared online and seen as a threat to the reputation of both Akpabio and Bello.
The government says this act breaks the Cybercrimes Act of 2024.
Senator Natasha has denied all the charges. The case will continue in court in September.