Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, appeared before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Thursday, facing criminal charges of defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, allege that Senator Natasha made damaging claims during a television interview, including accusations that Akpabio and Bello conspired to kill her, and linking Akpabio to the death of a young woman, Iniobong Imoren.

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Natasha, accompanied by her husband and supporters, pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Federal Government prosecutor David Kaswe requested that the court remand her in prison pending trial. However, her lawyer, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), applied for bail, arguing she is not a flight risk and should be presumed innocent under the law.

Justice Chizoba Orji granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety who must own property within the court’s jurisdiction. The judge noted the charges were not capital offences.

The trial is set to begin on September 23, 2025.