The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on charges of alleged cybercrime was on Monday stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja, following a preliminary objection raised by the defence.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, had earlier been granted bail. The case was slated to commence on September 22.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel David Kaswe told the court they were ready to open their case, with their first witness already in attendance.
But defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), objected, arguing that the prosecution had abused the powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in bringing the case.
He also protested that the defence had not been served with copies of the prosecution witnesses’ statements.
While Kaswe insisted the objection should not stall proceedings, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled otherwise, stating that the preliminary objection must first be determined before the trial could proceed. The matter was adjourned to October 20 for a hearing on the objection.
The Allegations
According to the charge, brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly used electronic means to transmit false information with intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order.
She is accused of claiming during a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, 2025, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had instructed former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello to arrange her assassination.
The charge further alleges she repeated the same claim during a television interview, accusing both men of plotting to kill her.
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