The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on cybercrime charges stalled on Monday following objections raised by her legal team over procedural lapses and jurisdiction.
Originally scheduled to commence on Monday, the proceedings were halted when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, argued that the case should not be heard at the Federal High Court.
West-Idahosa further raised concerns over the prosecution’s failure to share witness statements prior to the trial. As the prosecution sought to call its first witness, the defense insisted that the court first address their objection, citing alleged misuse of prosecutorial power by the Attorney General of the Federation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan faces six counts under the 2024 Cybercrimes Amendment Act, which includes spreading false and harmful electronic messages intended to damage reputations and cause public unrest.
The charges stem from her April 4, 2025 claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to have her killed in Kogi State.
Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the jurisdictional issue must be resolved before the trial could continue, adjourning the matter to October 20, 2025. Until then, the proceedings remain on hold.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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