Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was arraigned on Monday, June 30, by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja on six counts of alleged defamation.
The charges, brought before Justice Mohammed Umar, concern allegations she made against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senator pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail on self-recognition.
Her legal counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN), successfully argued for her bail on the grounds of her status as a sitting senator and senior legal practitioner, noting that the prosecution did not oppose the application with a counter affidavit.
Senator Natasha was accompanied to court by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, activist Aisha Yesufu, and several supporters.
This is her second arraignment in relation to defamation allegations involving Bello and Akpabio.
She previously appeared before an FCT High Court on June 19, 2025, on similar charges.
During the earlier proceedings, the prosecution sought a bench warrant for her arrest, but the court refused the request, citing the lack of proper service of court documents to the defendant before the hearing.
The court agreed that her absence was justifiable under the circumstances.
The defamation charges stem from a live television interview in which Senator Natasha reportedly accused Bello and Akpabio of plotting her assassination.
The case, filed by the Attorney General of the Federation on behalf of the Nigerian Government, has been adjourned until September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
