The Federal High Court in Abuja has set September 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial in a cybercrime suit against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udauaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The senator was arraigned on six counts bordering on alleged cybercrime and pleaded not guilty.
After her arraignment, Akpoti-Udauaghan was admitted to bail on self-recognition. The charge against her alleges that she made false and damaging statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. According to the charge, Akpoti-Udauaghan allegedly stated that Akpabio told Yahaya Bello that he should ensure that killing her did not happen in Abuja, but rather in Kogi, so it would seem like the people of Kogi were responsible.
The senator is also accused of reiterating the allegations during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, stating that it was part of the discussions Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate her. The Federal Government contends that the statements, widely disseminated through digital platforms, were knowingly false, injurious, and intended to malign and incite unrest.
The case has sparked significant interest, with Akpoti-Udauaghan facing similar charges in another court. In a separate case, the Attorney General of the Federation accused her of making defamatory statements against Akpabio and Bello. She was granted bail in the sum of N50m and one surety in a similar case before the FCT High Court.
The court granted Akpoti-Udauaghan bail on self-recognition, noting that she is a serving senator and the charges brought against her are bailable offenses. The prosecution urged the court to exercise discretion and impose conditions that would ensure the defendant’s presence in court for her trial.
The trial is expected to commence on September 22, 2025, and will likely draw significant attention given the high-profile nature of the case and the individuals involved.
