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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Granted Bail After Arraignment For Alleged Cybercrime
By Gideon Ayeni
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Monday granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja after pleading not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime.
The bail, granted on self-recognition, followed a request by her lead counsel, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), who cited her standing as a senator and senior legal practitioner. The prosecution did not oppose the bail application.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned by the Federal Government over allegations that she made false and injurious statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
One of the key allegations is that she claimed Akpabio allegedly told Yahaya Bello that if she was to be killed, it should be done in Kogi State so that it would appear like an attack by locals.
“She allegedly stated, ‘Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done in Kogi, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me’,” the charge read.
The remarks were said to have been made during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” programme. The Federal Government claims that her statements, which were shared widely online, were “deliberately false” and capable of causing public unrest.
The charges were filed under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits knowingly spreading false information with the intent to cause harm or incite disorder.
Justice Mohammed Umar, after hearing arguments, granted her bail and adjourned the case to September 22 for trial to begin.
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