Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on six counts bordering on alleged cybercrime against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The senator pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition by Justice Mohammed Umar.
The judge adjourned the case to September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
According to the charge sheet, Senator Natasha had allegedly claimed on a live television program that Akpabio and Bello were plotting her assassination.
The Nigerian Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, instituted the lawsuit bordering on cybercrime against the Senator.
The lawmaker’s counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN), had requested bail on self-recognition, citing her status as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a senior member of the bar.
The judge granted the bail application, noting that there was no counter affidavit from the prosecution challenging the bail request.
This is the lawmaker’s second arraignment within two weeks, following a previous arraignment for alleged defamation on June 19, 2025.
On that occasion, the judge refused the request by the Federal Government to have Senator Natasha arrested for failing to appear for the trial, citing insufficient service of the charge.
