Cybercrime Act Invoked as Natasha Akpoti Faces New Defamation Charges

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was on Monday arraigned before the Abuja Federal High Court on fresh charges of alleged defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.

The six-count charge, brought under the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act, comes just weeks after the federal government arraigned the senator on similar allegations at a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the court flanked by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; activist Aisha Yesufu; and some supporters.

The charges, filed on May 16, 2025, are contained in suit number CR/297/25.

At the hearing, she pleaded not guilty before Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the case.

On June 19, the lawmaker had also appeared in court to answer a separate three-count charge bordering on criminal defamation, with the federal government as the complainant.

She was granted bail in the sum of N50 million and ordered to produce one surety who must be a “person of integrity” and owner of a landed property within Abuja.

The matter has been adjourned to September 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial.