…Granted bailon on self-recognizance.
(C) Google.
By Correspondent in Abuja.
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Monday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of cyberbullying Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The six-count charge, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, was brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, the Senator allegedly used electronic communication to transmit information deemed false and injurious, with intent to incite, cause public disorder, or endanger lives.
Among the allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan is said to have told a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, 2025, that Senate President Akpabio instructed former Governor Bello to harm her.
It is also alleged that she repeated similar statements during a televised interview, claiming that both political figures plotted against her life.
The Senator pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to her in court.
Following her plea, prosecuting counsel Mohammed Abubakar requested a date for the commencement of trial. However, defence counsel, Rowland Otaru, SAN, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and sought permission to move it,an application that the prosecution did not oppose.
Abubakar confirmed he had not filed a counter-affidavit but urged the court to impose conditions that would guarantee the defendant’s presence at future proceedings.
Ruling on the application, Justice Mohammed Umar granted Akpoti-Uduaghan bail on self-recognizance, noting her status as a serving Senator. The case was adjourned to September 22 for trial.
Our correspondent recalls that this is the second time within two weeks that the Senator has been arraigned.
On June 19, she was arraigned before Justice Chizoba Oji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on a separate three-count charge of alleged defamation.
She also pleaded not guilty in that case (Charge No: CR/297/25) and was granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety in like sum.
The surety, the court ordered,is required to own a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Oji fixed September 23 for the commencement of trial in the defamation case.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
