The much-anticipated 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 today, September 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The proceedings will be presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, with the Federal Government represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar.
The case, which stems from a six-count criminal charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, accuses Senator Natasha of making false and injurious claims through electronic communication, allegedly aimed at maligning the reputations of Akpabio and Bello. She was arraigned on June 30, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court subsequently admitted her to bail on self-recognizance after the prosecution did not object.
Central to the case are allegations that Natasha, during a political gathering in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State on April 4, 2025, accused Akpabio of instructing Bello to orchestrate her assassination within Kogi State to make it appear as if the killing was locally motivated. She reportedly repeated the same claim during a television interview, which the prosecution argues amounts to cybercrime under Section 24 (2) (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
In one of the charges, the prosecution specifically cited Natasha’s remarks: “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.” The Federal Government contends that this statement was knowingly false, capable of inciting public disorder, and damaging to the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello.
The case has generated intense public interest, not only because of the high-profile figures involved but also because it is one of the first major trials to test the provisions of the 2024 amendment to Nigeria’s cybercrime law. Legal experts suggest the outcome may set a significant precedent for how electronic communications and defamation allegations are treated under Nigerian law.
Defending the embattled senator is Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), who successfully argued for her bail earlier in June. He maintains that his client is not a flight risk and would not interfere with police investigations. Otaru also emphasizes that the Nigerian Constitution presumes her innocent until proven guilty, while the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 guarantees bail for such offences.
The trial has political undercurrents, as Natasha has been on suspension from the Senate for over six months following accusations of breaching the chamber’s rules. Observers believe the case could shape her political future, particularly if it drags on or results in conviction. Nonetheless, her legal team insists the charges are politically motivated and intended to silence her.
As proceedings begin today, Nigerians and political watchers will be closely monitoring the courtroom drama that pits a suspended senator against two of the country’s most influential politicians. The trial is expected to test the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of reputations under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
