The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to October 20. The postponement came after her defense counsel, Chief Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, objected to the commencement of the trial.
The lawmaker is facing a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
She was arraigned on June 30 and granted bail on self-recognition.
According to the charges filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly transmitted false and harmful statements electronically with the intent to malign, incite, and endanger lives, thereby breaching public order.
One of the charges claims that on April 1, 2025, while addressing a crowd in Ihima, Kogi State, she said: “…Akpabio told Yahaya Bello…that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me here…”.
The prosecution argues that this statement was capable of harming the reputations of both Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The prosecution claims these remarks contravene Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act.
At the resumed hearing, prosecuting counsel, Mr. David Kaswe, was ready to open the prosecution’s case with his first witness present.
However, Chief West-Idahosa, the defense counsel, objected, stating his client had already filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
.He also raised concerns about fair hearing, noting that the defense had not yet been served with the witness statements from the prosecution.
Despite Mr. Kaswe’s argument that the trial should proceed, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled in favor of the defense. The judge stated that the preliminary objection must be resolved before any further steps could be taken.
Consequently, Justice Umar adjourned the case to October 20 for the hearing of the objection and the potential commencement of the trial.
