The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on allegations of cybercrime against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, is set to commence on Monday, September 22, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and coordinated by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar. Justice Mohammed Umar will preside over the trial.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate six months ago over alleged breaches of parliamentary rules, was arraigned on June 30, 2025, on a six-count charge. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognizance.
The charges stem from accusations that she made false and injurious electronic communications alleging that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her assassinated. These allegations were reportedly made during a political gathering in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, on April 4, 2025, and later repeated in a televised interview.
In a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Senate President Akpabio claimed the statements damaged his reputation. Following police investigations, the Federal Government filed charges against the senator under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
A Professor of Law, Roland Otaru, SAN, is leading the defense team, arguing that the senator is not a flight risk, will not obstruct investigations, and is entitled to the presumption of innocence under the Constitution.
The court has fixed September 22 for the commencement of full trial.
