Court Adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial to Oct 20

The scheduled trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on charges of cybercrime has been adjourned to October 20 by the Federal High Court in Abuja after the defence raised a preliminary objection.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, was granted bail and her trial was set to begin on Monday, September 22.

Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe told the court that his team was ready to open its case, with a witness present and evidence equipment set up. However, defence lawyer Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) objected, challenging the court’s jurisdiction on grounds of alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney-General of the Federation. He also complained that the defence had not been served copies of witness statements.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must first be addressed before trial could commence and fixed October 20 for hearing.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, was brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. The senator is accused of transmitting false and injurious information via electronic means with intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order.

Prosecutors allege that on April 4, 2025, during a rally in Ihima, Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former governor Yahaya Bello to ensure she was killed in Kogi rather than Abuja. The same allegations were allegedly repeated during a television interview.

The prosecution contends that her statements were capable of damaging the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello, thereby violating Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act.