By Safiyat Muhammed | The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today
The trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will officially commence on Tuesday before Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, following her plea of not guilty to the charges filed against her.
Nigeria News Today: Senator Natasha’s Case Moves to Trial
The Federal Government accused the Kogi-born senator of making statements “with reason to believe such imputations would harm the reputation of a person.” The charges were brought under Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation 1990, and are punishable under Section 392.
At a previous sitting, the lawmaker was granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety in like sum.
Court records show the case was filed before the FCT High Court on May 16, 2025, with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan listed as the sole defendant.
Parallel Case Before Another Court
The Bureau News recalls that Senator Natasha is also facing a separate suit before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja. In that matter, she has been charged with six counts bordering on alleged criminal defamation and cyberbullying.
As of press time, today’s sitting at the FCT High Court was yet to commence.
This development adds to the growing public interest surrounding the senator’s legal battles, which observers say could shape future interpretations of defamation laws in Nigeria.