Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Halted, Shifted To October 20

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20, 2025, after her legal team filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is standing trial on a six-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025) under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The Federal Government accuses her of transmitting false and harmful information via electronic platforms with the intent to incite violence, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.

The charges are tied to remarks she allegedly made at a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, 2025, where she claimed Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her assassinated. She allegedly repeated the same claim during a televised interview.

When the case came up on Monday, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe said the first witness was present and ready to testify, with a television screen set up for the session.

But defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) argued that the court must first address his preliminary objection, which he said challenged the propriety of the Attorney-General’s decision to prosecute. He also complained that the defence had not been served copies of the witness statements.

Justice Mohammed Umar agreed that the objection should be heard before trial could proceed and adjourned the matter to October 20 for hearing and possible commencement of proceedings