The Federal High Court in Abuja granted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udauaghan bail on self-recognition on Monday, June 30, 2025. Akpoti-Udauaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime. She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The allegations against Akpoti-Udauaghan stem from statements she made about Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, claiming they conspired to assassinate her. The Federal Government contends that these statements were knowingly false and intended to incite unrest, violating Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act.
Akpoti-Udauaghan’s legal team, led by Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), applied for bail on self-recognition, citing her status as a senator and senior member of the bar. The prosecution did not file a counter-affidavit opposing the bail application. Justice Mohammed Umar granted the bail request, and the court adjourned until September 22, 2025, for trial commencement.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for freedom of expression and political discourse in Nigeria. Akpoti-Udauaghan’s statements, made during a live television interview and public speech, have sparked a legal debate about the limits of public speech and the consequences of spreading false information.
