A High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, admitted the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, to bail in the sum of N50 million over alleged defamation.
The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) charged Akpoti-Uduaghan with three counts bordering on alleged defamation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The suspended senator was accompanied to the court for the trial by her husband and associates.
However, when the charge was read, she pleaded not guilty.
In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, asked Justice Chizoba Oji to remand her in a correctional centre pending the determination of her bail.
However, Natasha’s counsel, Prof. Roland Otaru, sought and got permission to move bail application for the senator.
This was on the grounds that it was matured for hearing having been served on the prosecution and having joined issues with each other.
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Moving the bail application, Otaru urged the judge to exercise her discretion in favour of the defendant.
The lawyer said the suspended senator was not a flight risk and would not interfere with police investigation and witnesses.
In her ruling, Justice Oji noted that the alleged offence was not a capital one and that the law presumes her innocent for now.
The judge admitted Apoti-Uduaghan to bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety in the like sum.
The judge held that the surety must be owner of land property within the jurisdiction of the court.
Justice Orji adjourned until September 23 for the commencement of trial.
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