ABUJA – The Federal Government has brought the suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, before the Federal High Court on a new six-count charge.
The troubled lawmaker, who had previously received a six-month suspension from the Senate, is accused of making a false claim regarding an assassination, as detailed in the charge marked CR/297/25.
It is alleged that the defendant claimed that certain politicians opposed to her were conspiring to assassinate her.
According to the Federal Government, the alleged offence occurred when she addressed her supporters in Kogi State and during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3.
She has been specifically accused of naming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello as participants in a meeting where the alleged plot to eliminate her was conceived.
The Federal Government informed the court that the defendant asserted both Akpabio and Bello had agreed that she should be eliminated in Kogi State in a manner that would appear to be a mob action.
She is accused of making false allegations that she knew would damage the reputations of both Senator Akpabio and ex-Governor Bello, thus committing an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act.
Meanwhile, the defendant pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to her before Trial Justice Muhammed Umar.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, informed the court that he had not filed any process to contest her release on bail.
However, the DPP urged the court to exercise its discretion and impose conditions that would ensure the defendant’s attendance for her trial.
In response, the defendant’s counsel, Professor Roland Otaru, SAN, stated that he had submitted a bail application on June 20.
Assuring the court that his client does not present a flight risk and would be available for her trial, Professor Otaru highlighted that she represents a constituency comprising five Local Government Areas.
Furthermore, he reminded the judge that an Abuja High Court had previously granted the defendant bail for a similar charge, emphasising her status as a senior member of the legal profession.
After considering both sides, Justice Umar indicated that he was inclined to grant the defendant bail on the basis of self-recognition.
The trial judge noted that it was undisputed that the defendant is a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that the charges against her included bailable offences.
He subsequently adjourned the case until September 22 for hearing.”
