Cybercrime Trial of Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Adjourned to October 20

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20, 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, for allegedly transmitting false information via electronic means to malign Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan stem from her claims that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her killed in Kogi State, which she made during a gathering in Ihima and repeated in a television interview.

The prosecution, led by David Kaswe, had prepared to call its first witness and had arranged for a television screen to be mounted in the courtroom.

However, the trial was stalled due to a preliminary objection filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN. West-Idahosa argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, citing alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney-General of the Federation. He also complained about not receiving copies of the prosecution’s witness statements, which is a requirement under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the prosecution must respond to the objection before proceeding with the trial. The case has been adjourned to October 20, 2025, for hearing of the objection and commencement of the trial.

The case number is FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defense team is led by Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, while the prosecution team is led by David Kaswe. The outcome of this trial has significant implications, given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate.

The trial judge will determine the preliminary objection raised by the defense before taking any further steps in the matter. The court’s decision will have a significant impact on the case’s progression and the potential outcome for Akpoti-Uduaghan.