Senator Natasha Appears in Court Over Alleged Cybercrime Against Akpabio, Bello

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central on Monday appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment on charges of alleged cybercrime and defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The lawmaker was accompanied to the court by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, and a crowd of supporters.

Justice Mohammed Umar is presiding over the case, which stems from a complaint filed by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

According to the charge sheet, Senator Natasha is accused of making defamatory claims during a live television interview, where she alleged that Akpabio and Bello were involved in a plot to assassinate her.

The arraignment follows an earlier defamation charge brought against her on June 19, 2025, before the FCT High Court. At that hearing, the court rejected a request by the government to issue a bench warrant for her arrest after it was revealed that she had not been properly served with the charge before the scheduled court appearance.

Justice Umar ruled that without prior service of the charges or a hearing notice, there was no legal basis to compel her presence or order her arrest at that time.

Senator Natasha previously pleaded not guilty to the defamation charge and was granted ₦50 million bail.

The high-profile case is expected to continue drawing national attention, with Akpabio and Bello listed as potential witnesses in the trial.