The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on alleged cybercrime charges has been stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter after the defence raised a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the case was scheduled to begin on September 22.
At Thursday’s sitting, prosecution counsel David Kaswe told the court that the team was ready to proceed with its first witness. However, defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) objected, saying his client had already filed a notice challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He further argued that the objection was based on alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The defence also complained that they had not been served with witness statements.
Mediaplusng.com reports that although the prosecution urged the court to continue with the trial, Justice Umar insisted that the objection must first be determined before any other step is taken. He subsequently adjourned the case to October 20, 2025, for the hearing of the objection.
In the charge brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention (Amendment) Act 2024, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false information via electronic means with the intent to incite, malign, and endanger lives. The charges stem from her April 4, 2025, address in Ihima, Kogi State, where she allegedly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of directing former Governor Yahaya Bello to arrange her assassination. She is also alleged to have repeated the claim during a television interview.
