Written by Ella Michaels
The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accused of cybercrime against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, was adjourned to October 20, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The adjournment followed a preliminary objection filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan's lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, challenging the court's jurisdiction to hear the case.
The objection, which alleges abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, was upheld by Justice Mohammed Umar, who insisted that the prosecution must first respond to the objection before proceeding with the trial. Akpoti-Uduaghan's counsel also complained about not being served with copies of the prosecution witnesses' statements.
The six-count charge against Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that she transmitted false and injurious information via electronic means, intending to malign, incite, and endanger lives and breach public order. Specifically, she is accused of claiming that Akpabio instructed Yahaya Bello to have her killed in Kogi State during a gathering on April 4, 2025.
The court's decision to adjourn the trial until October 20 will determine whether the objection will be sustained or overruled, paving the way for the trial to proceed. Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail after being arraigned on June 30, 2025.
The case has sparked significant interest, with many awaiting the outcome. The senator's suspension and the allegations against her have raised questions about the role of social media in politics and the limits of free speech.
The trial's next hearing will take place on October 20, 2025, where the court will consider the preliminary objection and potentially commence the trial ¹.
