Cybercrime case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan begins today

The Federal High Court in Abuja will today, Monday, September 22, 2025, commence the trial of suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, under a six-count criminal charge.

Background to the Case

Senator Natasha, who was suspended from the Senate six months ago over alleged breach of legislative rules, was arraigned on June 30, 2025, when she pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Mohammed Umar is presiding over the case, while Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), is leading the prosecution team.

On the defense side, Natasha is being represented by Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, a law professor and senior advocate, who successfully secured bail for her on self-recognizance after her arraignment.

The trial stems from a petition filed by Senate President Akpabio to the Inspector General of Police, alleging reputational damage following Natasha’s public claim that Akpabio had instructed Yahaya Bello to assassinate her in Kogi State.

Allegations Against Natasha

According to court filings, Natasha allegedly made the claim on April 1, 2025, while addressing a gathering in Ihima, Okehi LGA, Kogi State, and repeated it during a televised interview.

The prosecution contends that her statements were “false and injurious,” transmitted via electronic platforms with the intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.

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One of the charges reads in part: “You, SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN, intentionally caused the communication… ‘Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… make sure killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here…’ knowing it could harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, President of the Senate.”

The offences are brought under Section 24 (2) (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, which prescribes penalties for transmission of injurious or false information through electronic platforms.

Defense Argument

At her arraignment, Prof. Otaru, SAN, argued that Natasha was not a flight risk, would not interfere with investigations, and was entitled to bail under both the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which emphasises bail in offences of this nature.

Justice Umar granted her bail on self-recognizance and fixed September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

Wider Implications

The trial is being closely watched due to its potential implications for political discourse and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

Critics of the case argue that the use of the Cybercrimes Act in prosecuting political speech risks weaponising the law against dissent, while supporters insist that unsubstantiated allegations against high-ranking officials must attract legal consequences.

Proceedings are expected to continue throughout the week, with the prosecution presenting its witnesses and evidence against the embattled senator.