Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja following her arraignment on cybercrime-related charges.
The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, granted the bail on self-recognition.
The senator was brought before the court on Monday to answer a six-count charge filed by the Federal Government, accusing her of cyberstalking and defamation.
She pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
The prosecution claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan made statements accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting her assassination.
According to the charge, she allegedly said Akpabio advised Bello to ensure the act occurred in Kogi State rather than in Abuja to make it appear locally motivated.
It was also alleged that she repeated these claims during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, further fueling controversy. The authorities argued that her statements were false, malicious, and circulated online with the intent to damage reputations and provoke unrest.
The charges were brought under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which addresses the deliberate dissemination of false information intended to harm individuals or threaten public peace.
During Monday’s proceedings, her lawyer, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), urged the court to release her on bail based on self-recognition, noting her status as a senator and respected legal professional.
The prosecution did not oppose the application.
Justice Umar ruled in her favor and granted bail on those terms. The case has been adjourned for trial on September 22.