Shola Akinyele
In a courtroom showdown that has electrified Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million by Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, defying strong efforts by federal lawyers to have her jailed until trial.
The senator, who confidently pleaded “Not Guilty” to three counts of alleged criminal defamation, was arraigned in what supporters describe as a politically motivated attempt to muzzle her following her petition of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Federal Government, represented by its legal team, astonishingly sought to prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan on behalf of Akpabio—a move critics say highlights a gross abuse of state power.
In court, FG lawyers argued aggressively that the senator should be denied bail and sent to prison, but Justice Orji swiftly rejected the motion, ruling in favour of her release pending trial.
Observers, including human rights lawyer Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Aisha Yesufu, and representatives from FIDA Nigeria, were present in court alongside the senator’s enthusiastic supporters from Kogi Central, who erupted in joy as she walked out of the courtroom, hand in hand with her husband, after meeting the bail conditions.
The backdrop of this trial is the senator’s vocal demand for fair hearing and an independent investigation into her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio—demands that have been repeatedly ignored by the Nigerian Senate and the federal authorities.
Critics say this latest legal action is a calculated diversion, an attempt to deflect attention and punish her for daring to speak out.
“This is a classic case of the powerful using the system to silence the truth,” one observer commented. “But today’s judgement proves that justice can still speak in Nigeria.”
The moment was powerful—and deeply symbolic. It sent a resounding message that Senator Natasha Akpoti will not back down, nor will Nigerians who believe in justice and accountability. As she once famously declared:
“This injustice shall not be sustained.”
And today, that defiance echoed louder than ever.
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