Ola Akinwunmi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail on self-recognition to the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her arraignment on a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, stands accused of making false and damaging statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
According to the charge sheet, the Senator allegedly claimed that Akpabio instructed Yahaya Bello to ensure her “killing does not happen in Abuja, it should be done in Kogi, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me.” These explosive allegations were reportedly reiterated days later during a live appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” where she asserted, “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night… to eliminate me.”
The Federal Government asserts that these statements, widely disseminated across various digital platforms, were knowingly false and designed to incite unrest. The prosecution further contends that the remarks violate Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises the intentional spread of false information aimed at damaging reputations or provoking public disorder.
During the bail application, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), urged the court to grant her bail on self-recognition, citing her status as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a senior member of the bar. Professor Otaru also highlighted the absence of a counter-affidavit from the prosecution challenging the bail application.
Justice Mohammed Umar, presiding over the case, granted the request of the defence counsel, granting the Senator bail on self-recognition.
The court has adjourned the matter until September 22, for the commencement of the trial.