The scheduled trial in the cybercrime case against suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, was on Monday stalled after her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised a preliminary objection.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. She was arraigned on June 30 and granted bail on self-recognition.
The Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, alleges that she disseminated false and injurious information via electronic means, aimed at maligning, inciting, endangering lives and breaching public order.
Specifically, she is accused of alleging in a speech at Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, 2025, and later in a television interview, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed in the state.
At Monday’s sitting, prosecution counsel David Kaswe said the government was ready to call its first witness, with electronic evidence prepared for tendering in court.
But West-Idahosa objected, arguing the court must first decide on his client’s notice of preliminary objection challenging jurisdiction. He also alleged abuse of the Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers and complained that the defence had not been served witness statements.
Kaswe countered that the objection should not stall proceedings, but presiding judge Justice Mohammed Umar held that the preliminary issue must be determined before the trial could proceed.
The case was adjourned to October 20 for hearing of the objection and possible commencement of trial.
Leave a Reply