From Victor Osula, Abuja
The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to a fresh six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, had filed the charges against Natasha at the Federal High Court, Abuja,
Filed under the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act. The charges stemmed from a petition submitted by Senate President Akpabio to the Inspector General of Police, alleging that Natasha damaged his reputation by accusing him of plotting her assassination in Kogi State. Following police investigation, the AGF’s office filed the charges under the Cybercrime Act.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, accuses the Senator of transmitting false and injurious information electronically, allegedly with the intent to incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order.
According to the charge sheet, on April 4, 2025, while addressing a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, Senator Natasha allegedly claimed that Akpabio instructed Bello to eliminate her. She reportedly repeated the allegation during a televised interview, suggesting a conspiracy to murder her.
After entering her not-guilty plea, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, requested a trial date. However, Natasha’s counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN), sought permission to move a bail application.
Otaru urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the defendant is not a flight risk, would not interfere with investigations or witnesses, and remains presumed innocent under the Constitution. He also cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which encourages bail in such cases.
The prosecution did not oppose the application, stating only that bail should be granted on terms that ensure the Senator’s presence at trial.
Justice Mohammed Umar granted Senator Natasha bail on self-recognisance and adjourned the matter to September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
