Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on cybercrime and the alleged transmission of injurious and false information against prominent political figures.
Appearing before Justice Mohammed Umar, Senator Natasha pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court granted her bail on self-recognition, acknowledging her status as a serving senator and a legal practitioner. Her counsel, Chief Roland Otaru, SAN, argued that she had never been a flight risk—a position the court accepted.
The case, filed by the federal government through the office of the Attorney General, stems from allegations that the senator made statements capable of damaging the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, Natasha allegedly made the statements during a public address in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 1 and in a subsequent television interview. She reportedly claimed that Akpabio instructed Bello to ensure she was killed in Kogi, rather than Abuja, to make it appear like a local incident.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed the prosecution was not opposed to her bail and had not filed a counter affidavit. He requested the court to ensure the bail terms would guarantee her presence at trial. The court scheduled the commencement of the trial for September 22.
Among the charges, one states that Senator Natasha knowingly transmitted a communication through electronic means that could threaten the reputation of Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello—an offence under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The charges were filed following a complaint by Senator Akpabio to the Inspector General of Police, accusing Senator Natasha of making dangerous and defamatory statements that could incite violence and damage his reputation.
If convicted, the lawmaker could face penalties as prescribed under the amended Cybercrimes Act.
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