Court adjourns cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20

Suspended Kogi lawmaker faces six-count charge over alleged false claims against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20, 2025, after her legal team challenged the proceedings.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is standing trial on a six-count charge filed by the Federal Government under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She was arraigned on June 30, 2025, and granted bail on self-recognition. Prosecutors allege she transmitted false and injurious claims online and during public appearances, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to have her killed.

According to court filings by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, Akpoti-Uduaghan repeated the allegation at a political gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, 2025, and during a televised interview.

One of the charges states that she declared:

“…and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… 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 the statement was capable of harming Akpabio’s reputation and inciting public disorder.

Her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised objections that stalled the commencement of the trial on Monday. The matter has now been rescheduled for October 20 for further hearing.

The case has drawn widespread attention given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s high-profile clashes with political figures and her ongoing suspension from the Senate.