The political atmosphere in Abuja is set to heat up as the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, faces trial today, Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court over alleged cybercrime offences.
The trial stems from a six-count criminal charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. The charges accuse Natasha of using electronic communication to spread false and injurious information against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
The Allegations
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, Natasha allegedly circulated damaging claims intended to “malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order.”
One explosive count accused her of declaring during a public gathering in Ihima, Okehi LGA, on April 1, 2025, that Akpabio had instructed Bello to assassinate her, framing it as though locals carried it out.
She reportedly repeated this allegation during a television interview, suggesting a conspiracy between the two political heavyweights.
Courtroom Drama Looms
The trial will be presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, with Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), leading the Federal Government’s case.
On the defence side, Natasha will be represented by a legal team led by Professor Roland Otaru (SAN).
The case followed a petition filed by Senate President Akpabio to the Inspector General of Police, accusing Natasha of tarnishing his reputation. Police investigations reportedly linked the matter to cybercrime laws, leading to the Federal Government’s decision to prosecute.
Background
Natasha was first arraigned on June 30, 2025, where she pleaded not guilty. She was granted bail on self-recognizance after the prosecution raised no objections.
Justice Umar, in his ruling, emphasised that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, bail was standard in such matters, noting that the constitution presumes the Senator innocent until proven guilty.
Otaru had also assured the court that Natasha was not a flight risk and would not interfere with witnesses or investigations.
With both political and legal stakes sky-high, today’s trial promises to be one of the most closely watched courtroom battles in Nigeria this year.
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