The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on cybercrime charges could not begin today, Monday, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Her lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised a preliminary objection, which stopped the case from starting as planned.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing six charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The Federal Government accused her of spreading false and harmful information online to damage reputations, cause public disorder, and endanger lives.
She was first arraigned on June 30 and granted bail. The charges allege that in April this year, during a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, she claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to kill her in Kogi. She allegedly repeated the same claim in a television interview.
At Monday’s sitting, government lawyer David Kaswe said the prosecution was ready to call its first witness and had even prepared video evidence for display in court.
However, West-Idahosa argued that the court lacked the authority to hear the case, accusing the prosecution of abusing the powers of the Attorney-General. He also said the defence team had not been given copies of the witnesses’ statements.
Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must be addressed before the trial could continue. He then adjourned the case until October 20, 2025 for hearing of the objection and possible commencement of the trial.
