By Kingston Magare 19-6-2025
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghana Thursday pleaded not guilty to charges of defamation brought against her by the Federal government.
She was arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Maitama Abuja on a three-count charge of false accusation capable of tarnishing the image of others an offence under 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
According to FG prosecutors, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan committed the offence on April 3, 2025, when she claimed on a live broadcast on Channels TV that Senate president Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello are planning to assassinate her.
Natasha Akpoti Uduagha who appeared in court alongside her husband, former Minister of Education Obi Ezekweseli, Aisha Yesufu and other human rights activists denied the accusations.
FG prosecutors filed for the Senator representing Kogi Central to be remined in prison custody till the determination of the case, but presiding judge, Justice Chizoba Orji overruled the application, stating the defendant was not a flight risk and had demonstrated that she would be willing to go along with the trial.
Justice Orji granted her bail in the sum of N50m and one surety who must be a land property owner in the FCT. The case was adjourned till September 23, 2025, for further hearing.
Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and her husband at the court hearing.