The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until October 20, 2025, following a preliminary objection raised by her defence team.
The trial, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, involves six counts of alleged offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The Federal Government accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of transmitting false information via electronic means with intent to malign, incite, and breach public order.
This stems from her claim during an event in Ihima, Kogi State, that the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, directed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
At the resumed court session, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe said the government was ready to open its case, with its first witness present and a television screen mounted in the courtroom for evidence display.
However, her lead counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised a Notice of Preliminary Objection arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction to try the case, and that prosecutorial powers may have been misused.
He also complained that the prosecution had not served full statements of witnesses to the defence as required for fair trial.
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Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the preliminary objection must be addressed before any evidence is heard or trial commenced. He fixed October 20, 2025, for hearing of that objection and potential commencement of the trial.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was first arraigned on June 30, 2025, and granted bail on her own recognizance.
