The suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, will on Monday, September 22, 2025, stand trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of cybercrime leveled against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
The case, filed as a six-count charge, is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, with the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, expected to lead the government’s legal team. Justice Mohammed Umar will preside over the proceedings.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30, 2025, after police investigations linked her to statements deemed false, harmful, and capable of inciting unrest. She pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail on self-recognizance.
The allegations stem from comments she allegedly made at a public gathering in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State on April 4, 2025, and during a television interview, where she accused Senator Akpabio of directing Yahaya Bello to plot her assassination. Akpabio subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, claiming his reputation had been maliciously damaged.
Court documents allege that the senator “intentionally transmitted false information via electronic means,” in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. One of the counts specifically accuses her of uttering words that could injure the reputation of both Akpabio and Bello.
Her defense team will be led by Professor Roland Otaru, SAN, who has maintained that Natasha is not a flight risk and enjoys the constitutional presumption of innocence.
The trial, which resumes on September 22, is expected to draw public attention, given the high-profile nature of the parties involved.
