The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, till October 20, 2025, following a preliminary objection raised by her legal team.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was arraigned on June 30, 2025, is facing a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, border on alleged cyberstalking, transmission of false information, and injurious publication.
According to the prosecution, the senator, in a speech delivered at Ihima Community in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, and in a television interview on April 4, accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of directing former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to assassinate her.
Prosecutors allege she disseminated the claims electronically with intent to incite public unrest, malign reputations, and endanger lives.
At the resumed hearing, her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), urged the court to strike out the case, arguing that the charges were incompetent and amounted to an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney-General of the Federation. He also complained that the defence had not been served with witness statements, insisting this violated her constitutional right to a fair trial.
The prosecution team, representing the Federal Government, opposed the application and pressed the court to dismiss the objection to allow the trial to commence.
Justice Mohammed Umar, after hearing both sides, ruled that the court would first determine the defence’s objection before proceeding with the substantive trial. He therefore adjourned the matter to October 20, 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who pleaded not guilty at her arraignment, was earlier granted bail on self-recognition, with the court citing her status as a senator and senior member of the bar. She has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated.
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