By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Federal Government has arraigned the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, at the Federal High Court in Abuja Monday.
The charges relate to alleged cybercrimes committed against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The prosecution accused the senator of making harmful imputations during public remarks and a television interview.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who appeared in court alongside her husband, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
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The case stems from a petition submitted by Senate President Akpabio to the Inspector General of Police. In the petition, Akpabio alleged that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely accused him of plotting to eliminate her in Kogi State, a claim he said had severely damaged his reputation.
Following an investigation by the police, the Attorney General’s office filed a six-count charge against the senator, leading to her arraignment on Monday.
Meanwhile, the defendant pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to her before trial Justice Muhammed Umar.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, told the court that he did not file any process to challenge her release on bail.
The DPPF, however, urged the court to exercise its discretion and impose conditions that would guarantee the presence of the defendant to face her trial.
On his part, counsel to the defendant, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, told the court that he filed a bail application on June 20.
Assuring the court that his client does not pose a flight risk and would be available for her trial, Prof. Otaru, SAN, drew the attention of the court to the fact that she is representing a constituency comprising five Local Government Areas (LGAs).
More so, he drew the attention of the judge to the fact that an Abuja High Court had earlier granted the defendant bail over a similar charge, adding that she is a senior member of the legal profession.
After he had listened to both sides, Justice Umar held that he was minded to grant the defendant bail on self-recognition.
The trial judge said it was not in dispute that the defendant is a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that the charge against her contained bailable offences.
He subsequently adjourned the case till September 22 for hearing.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.