Court Rejects AGF’s Request to Arrest Senator Natasha Akpoti Over Cybercrime Allegations
June 16, 2025
The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) its request to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The move came in response to a six-count cybercrime charge filed against the Kogi lawmaker, allegedly over public comments she made about Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice G. Umar rejected the oral application made by D.E. Kaswe, an Assistant Director from the Department of Public Prosecutions at the AGF’s office, during Monday’s court proceedings.
The Allegations
According to the charge sheet seen by Nairametrics, the federal government accuses Senator Akpoti of violating the newly amended Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.
In Count 1, the prosecution claims that on April 1, 2025, during a public speech in Ihima Community, Kogi State, Akpoti made statements that allegedly implicated Senate President Akpabio in a supposed plot with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello:
“…and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello, I am saying, standing by what I have said. He told him that 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…”
The AGF’s office argues that Akpoti’s comments could tarnish Akpabio’s reputation and incite public unrest, an offence said to violate Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act.
In a separate count, the federal government alleges that Akpoti repeated similar accusations during a live interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025, again referencing discussions about an alleged plan to harm her. The AGF claims these statements were false and intended to “cause a breakdown of law and order,” in violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Act.
What Happened in Court
The courtroom drama unfolded with Kaswe informing the court that the day’s session was meant for Akpoti’s arraignment. He noted that although the charge was served that morning to Akpoti’s counsel, J.J. Usman, SAN, the Senator herself was absent.
Kaswe argued that her absence showed a “wilful refusal” to attend and urged the court to issue an arrest warrant.
However, Usman pushed back strongly, calling the request “strange.” He said he had been directed by his client to receive the charge on her behalf and that the prosecution only handed him the charge at 9:18 a.m. that morning.
“I don’t expect him to make an application for a bench warrant,” Usman said, pointing out that a similar case was already filed against his client at the FCT High Court.
Usman urged the court to dismiss the request, arguing that proper personal service had not yet been carried out.
Justice Umar sided with the defence, stating that the defendant had not been personally served, and that awareness through a legal representative was not a substitute for formal service.
“Awareness is different from personal service,” the judge said.
“I will not grant your application for a bench warrant.”
Next Steps
Following the judge’s ruling, Kaswe applied for permission to serve the charge by substituted means through Akpoti’s lawyer—a request that was granted. The case was adjourned to June 30, 2025, for formal arraignment.
Broader Context
This case adds another layer to the ongoing political tensions surrounding Senator Akpoti. Earlier this year, civil society group SERAP filed a lawsuit against Senate President Akpabio for allegedly suspending Akpoti unlawfully. The fallout from that controversy remains unresolved, and the latest cybercrime charge now brings further scrutiny to both sides of the political divide.
As legal proceedings continue, attention will be focused on how the courts handle this politically sensitive case—and whether the charges against Senator Akpoti hold up under legal and public scrutiny.
Stay tuned for updates on this and other major political and legal developments from Nigeria’s capital.
