A Federal Capital Territory High Court denied the Federal Government's request to detain Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, instead granting her N50 million bail in a controversial defamation case brought by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. The case was adjourned to September 23.
- Judicial Pushback: Judge Chizoba Orji ruled there was "no justification" for remand, citing Akpoti's compliance
- Bail Terms: Requires one Abuja property-owning surety of "proven integrity"
- Political Theater: The Case stems from Akpoti's allegations of assassination plots against her by the powerful duo
- Solidarity Show: Oby Ezekwesili, Aisha Yesufu present in court to show support
This case exposes Nigeria's troubling trend of weaponizing defamation laws against critics. While Akpabio (facing corruption allegations) and Bello (under EFCC investigation) use state machinery to silence opposition, the court's refusal to jail Akpoti offers temporary relief. Yet the September trial looms - a test of whether Nigeria's judiciary can withstand political pressure.
