The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on self-recognition following her arraignment on a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime.
Newsonspot reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who appeared before Justice Mohammed Umar on Monday, pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The allegations stem from statements she reportedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
According to the Federal Government, the senator had claimed that Akpabio told Bello to ensure her killing happened in Kogi State rather than Abuja, implying it would appear as though locals were responsible. These statements were said to have been made during a live interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
Prosecutors argue that the comments were false, injurious, and capable of inciting public unrest. The charges cite a breach of Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes the deliberate dissemination of false information intended to harm reputations or disturb public peace.
Her lead counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), requested bail on self-recognition, citing her status as a serving senator and a senior legal practitioner. With no objection from the prosecution, the court granted the bail.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter to September 22 for trial.
