Natasha Akpoti trial integrity in question as civil society condemns alleged falsehoods; court set to try Kogi senator over harmful cybercrime allegations

Natasha Akpoti trial integrity has emerged as a national talking point after the Kogi Central senator was arraigned on a six-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, sparking sharp reactions from civil society and political observers.

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On Monday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was docked before Justice Mohammed Umar over criminal charges brought by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The charges stem from public allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing them of plotting to assassinate her.

According to the Federal Government’s case, the offences fall under cybercrime and involve the electronic transmission of false and injurious content. The charges claim that her actions were calculated to defame, incite public tension, and endanger lives.

In response to the development, the Coalition Against Impunity, a civil society organisation, described the case as more than a personal legal battle. In a strongly worded statement, the group declared that the trial represents a broader test of truth and integrity in Nigeria’s political culture.

“This is not just a trial of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; it is a trial of integrity in Nigerian politics,” the group’s chairman, Olufemi Ayoade, said.

“And when the dust settles, let it be known that those who lie to the nation, incite false alarms and drag the reputation of others through the mud will be held accountable.”

Ayoade accused the senator of abusing public trust by launching “reckless and unsubstantiated attacks” against national leaders, warning that political discourse must not be reduced to sensationalism and personal vendettas.

“It is no coincidence that these allegations emerged at the height of political tensions,” he stated. “A classic script from the playbook of a desperate politician who mistakes media popularity for credibility. But lies, no matter how loud, eventually collapse under the weight of truth.”

The senator, who has built a reputation as a vocal critic of the political establishment in Kogi and Abuja, has yet to issue a detailed public defence since her arraignment. She pleaded not guilty in court, and the trial was adjourned to 22 September 2025 for commencement.

Legal analysts note that the trial may set an important precedent for how allegations made by politicians through the media are treated under Nigerian law. The inclusion of cybercrime-related charges indicates the government’s intention to crack down on harmful digital speech.

Ayoade added that “Today marks a defining moment in the fight against reckless political propaganda and the weaponisation of falsehood for personal and political gain.”

He urged Nigerians to pay close attention as the case progresses, saying the rule of law must prevail over emotion and political bias. “The era where politicians make outlandish claims without consequence must end,” he said.

Observers believe the case could redefine the limits of political expression, especially in the context of defamation, misinformation, and national security.

Supporters of Natasha Akpoti, however, insist that the trial is politically motivated and intended to silence a persistent critic. Some online commentators argue that the charges are part of a broader pattern of intimidation against female politicians.

Yet, others argue that if proven false, such serious claims should not go unpunished. “You can’t just accuse people of attempted murder in the media and not expect the law to investigate,” one commenter posted.

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As the political and legal drama unfolds, the country watches closely, awaiting what could be a landmark judgment in Nigeria’s evolving democratic narrative.