The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday put on hold the trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a cybercrime case following an objection raised by her legal team.
The lawmaker had first been arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail, after which Justice Mohammed Umar fixed September 22 for the start of the trial.
At the resumed session, prosecution counsel David Kaswe informed the court that they were prepared to proceed. He pointed out that a television had already been mounted in the courtroom for use during evidence presentation and that their first witness was present and ready to testify.
Defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), however, opposed the move, telling the judge that his client had submitted a preliminary objection challenging the court’s authority to entertain the case. He explained that the objection was not directed at the charges themselves but rather at what he described as the misuse of prosecutorial powers vested in the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). He further argued that the defence had not been provided with copies of witness statements from the prosecution, stressing that this omission would affect their preparation.
Although Kaswe maintained that the objection should not be allowed to stop the court from moving forward, Justice Umar ruled that the issue of jurisdiction must be addressed first. He said he would take no further step until the objection had been resolved.
The judge thereafter scheduled October 20 for the hearing of the matter.
Allegations Under Cybercrime Law
The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan were filed under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024. She is accused of transmitting false information electronically with the intent to malign, incite violence, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.
According to the prosecution, while speaking at a gathering on April 4, 2025, in Ihima, Kogi State, she claimed that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had instructed former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, to arrange for her to be killed. The charges also allege that she repeated similar claims during a television interview, suggesting that the Senate President and the former governor were working together to eliminate her.
What you should know
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and politician, became the first female senator representing Kogi Central in 2023. Known for her outspoken style, she has often clashed with political heavyweights in her state.
Her trial on cybercrime charges has drawn national attention, as it raises questions about the balance between freedom of speech and the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws in politically sensitive cases.
