Natasha faces trial today over explosive assassination claims against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello

The cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan begins today, September 22, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking a high-profile legal showdown that pitches the Kogi Central senator against two of Nigeria’s political heavyweights, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, centers on allegations that Natasha used digital platforms to spread false claims intended to malign and incite against the two men.

According to court documents, Natasha faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrime Act. The charges accuse her of electronically transmitting statements deemed “false and harmful,” with the intent to damage reputations, cause public panic, and endanger lives. One of the most serious allegations stems from remarks she allegedly made during a community gathering in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, on April 4, 2025, where she was quoted as saying: “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will look like the people killed me here.”

She reportedly repeated the same explosive claim during a televised interview, alleging that there was a plot to have her assassinated and making it clear that she believed both Akpabio and Bello were behind it. The case took shape after Akpabio submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police, describing the senator’s statements as defamatory and dangerous. Police investigations followed, culminating in formal charges that now place Natasha at the center of a politically sensitive trial.

The prosecution is being led by Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, while Natasha is being represented by senior lawyer Professor Roland Otaru (SAN). Justice Mohammed Umar will preside over the proceedings. The legal battle began on June 30 when Natasha was first arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite the gravity of the accusations, she was granted bail on self-recognizance a decision the prosecution did not oppose.

Her lawyer argued that she posed no flight risk, had cooperated fully with investigators, and must be presumed innocent until proven guilty, citing the Nigerian Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015. “She is not running away from this court. She is ready to defend herself,” Otaru said at the initial hearing. Observers noted the prosecution’s lack of objection as somewhat unusual in a case involving top ranking political figures as alleged victims.

The trial also comes just six months after Natasha’s suspension from the Senate over what was described as a violation of Senate rules. That suspension has added a political undertone to the proceedings, with some viewing it as part of a broader attempt to silence a persistent critic. Natasha has been vocal in her opposition to Yahaya Bello’s tenure and has clashed with Senate leadership on several occasions, fueling speculation that the case may be politically motivated.

As the trial opens, it raises uncomfortable questions about the line between protected political speech and criminal defamation, particularly in an era where digital communication and public commentary are under increasing scrutiny. With a senator’s freedom on the line and two powerful political figures claiming reputational harm, the courtroom may soon become a stage for a larger battle over free expression, accountability, and the growing use of cybercrime laws in political disputes.