The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime charges until October 20, following an objection raised by her legal team.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, is accused of transmitting false information electronically to incite violence and endanger lives. The charges stem from allegations she made in April that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to kill her.
At Monday’s hearing, prosecution counsel David Kaswe said the team was ready to proceed with its first witness. However, defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) argued that the case should not open until the court rules on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction and alleging abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation. He also raised concerns about not receiving witness statements from the prosecution.
Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must first be resolved before trial could continue, and adjourned the matter to October 20.
