Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday stalled the planned commencement of the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, adjourning the case to October 20, 2025, after her legal team raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and accusing the Federal Government of abusing prosecutorial powers.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term senator and one of the country’s most visible female lawmakers, is standing trial on a six-count charge filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The Federal Government alleges that she transmitted false and injurious information capable of inciting violence and endangering lives by accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to kill her.
According to the charge sheet (FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025), the senator allegedly told a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, 2025, and later repeated in a television interview, that:
Join our WhatsApp Channel“…and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello…he should 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…”
Prosecutors argue the remarks were fabricated to “malign, injure and cause breach of public peace.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was first arraigned on June 30 and granted bail on self-recognition, pleaded not guilty to all charges. At Monday’s hearing, lead defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) informed the court that his client had filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the court’s authority to entertain the case, alleging an “abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation.”
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He also complained that the defence had not been served with witness statements, insisting that the prosecution’s attempt to open trial without full disclosure was procedurally unfair.
The prosecution, represented by David Kaswe, argued that the objection should not delay proceedings and indicated readiness to call its first witness, even arranging for a television screen to display evidence.
However, presiding judge Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the preliminary objection must be determined before any testimony is taken and adjourned the case to October 20 for hearing of the objection and possible commencement of trial.
The case is being closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s strengthened cybercrime law, which criminalises the electronic transmission of false or harmful information. Human rights advocates warn that the law, if misused, could suppress free speech, while government officials argue it is needed to combat dangerous misinformation.
The outcome carries high stakes for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Nigeria’s legal landscape. A conviction could result in fines or imprisonment and would have significant political consequences for the senator, while a dismissal could set a precedent limiting the government’s ability to prosecute speech-related offences.
The court’s ruling on jurisdiction on October 20 will determine whether the high-profile trial proceeds or collapses before evidence is heard.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
