The FCT High Court in Maitama has granted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan bail set at N50 million on Monday.
Presiding Justice Chizoba Orji ruled in favour of the senator, rejecting the Federal Government’s request for detention.
The court stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan bail terms were justified, given her willingness to stand trial responsibly.
Justice Orji emphasised that there was no legal ground to deny her bail under Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and laws.
The senator must also present one surety, a reputable individual owning verifiable landed property located within Abuja city.
The Federal Government had charged her with defamation and false accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Yahaya Bello.
According to the prosecution, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan bail relates to a live TV appearance where she made damaging allegations.
The FG claimed she made false statements implying the involvement of top officials in a planned attempt to harm her.
The charge alleges she acted with intent to damage reputations, violating Sections 391 and 392 of Nigeria’s Penal Code.
The senator reportedly accused the Senate President and former Kogi Governor during a Channels TV broadcast on April 3.
Scheduled witnesses include police officers Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, among several others.
Justice Orji cited Section 36 of the Constitution and Sections 163 and 165 of the Criminal Justice Act in her ruling.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate is also under legal review, with hearings set for June 27 in Abuja.
The suspension followed a heated clash with Senate President Akpabio during a controversial plenary session on February 20.
Observers consider the case politically charged, with wider implications for legislative independence and judicial accountability in Nigeria.
For updates on this developing story and related legal battles, visit our Nigerian politics section..
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