Trial of Senator Natasha adjourned to October 20

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the cybercrime case against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20, 2025, after her defence team raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction

Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a six-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025) under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically, allegedly aimed at inciting violence, endangering lives, and breaching public order.

The charges stem from statements she allegedly made on April 4, 2025, at a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, where she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of directing former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She reportedly repeated the allegation in a television interview.

At Monday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe told the court his first witness was ready to testify, with a television screen already mounted in the courtroom for evidence presentation.

However, defence lawyer Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) urged the court to first determine his client’s preliminary objection, which he argued questioned the legality of the prosecution and alleged abuse of the Attorney-General’s powers. He also noted that the defence had not been served copies of the prosecution’s witness statements.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must be resolved before trial can begin and adjourned the matter to October 20 for hearing on the objection and possible commencement of the case.

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