The planned trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged cybercrime offences was on Monday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following a legal objection raised by her defence team.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30, 2025, on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail after her arraignment, and the trial was earlier scheduled to begin on September 22.
At Monday’s hearing, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution was fully ready to proceed with the trial and had its first witness present in court. A television screen was even mounted in the courtroom, suggesting the intention to present video evidence.
However, the defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised a preliminary objection, urging the court to first determine whether it had the jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He argued that the charges represent an abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation and should not proceed.
West-Idahosa also told the court that the defence had not been served with statements of prosecution witnesses, which he said violated fair trial procedures.
Kaswe, for the prosecution, argued that the objection should not prevent the trial from commencing, noting that the defence had ample time to raise any concerns before the hearing. He insisted that the prosecution was prepared to open its case as earlier scheduled.
Justice Mohammed Umar, however, ruled that the court would not proceed with the trial until the objection raised by the defence was heard and determined. He adjourned the case to October 20, 2025, for hearing of the preliminary objection.
The case has drawn public attention because of its political and legal implications, involving serious allegations against two high-profile politicians.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is being tried under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges relate to statements she allegedly made on April 1 and 4, 2025, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to have her killed in Kogi State.
One of the charges specifically claims she made a speech in Ihima, Kogi State, saying:
“…and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello, I am saying, standing by what I have said. He told him that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me here…”
Prosecutors argue that these statements, allegedly made both in public and during a TV interview, were knowingly false and intended to harm the reputation of both Akpabio and Bello. They claim the remarks were transmitted electronically and could incite violence or threaten public order.
According to the charge sheet, the offences violate Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act and carry serious penalties under Nigerian law.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied all allegations and insists that the case is politically motivated. Her supporters argue that she is being targeted for her outspokenness and recent political rise, particularly in Kogi politics where she contested for governor.
The October 20 hearing will now determine whether the court has the jurisdiction to continue with the case or whether it will be struck out.
