The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, September 22, deferred the full hearing of the six-count cybercrime charge brought by the Federal Government against suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to October 20.
The adjournment followed a fresh application by the defendant challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try her. At the resumed proceeding, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe, informed the court that his witness was ready for the trial to commence.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Mr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised a preliminary objection contesting the court’s jurisdiction. The objection centered on alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice. The defense also complained that the prosecution failed to provide copies of full witness statements, emphasizing that under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, the defendant must be served with proof of evidence to prepare an effective defense.
Mr. Kaswe argued that the objection was insufficient to delay the trial, asserting that the court has the requisite jurisdiction under both the Constitution and the Cybercrime law. He maintained that the AGF exercised prosecutorial powers lawfully.
Justice Mohammed Umar ruled he would first hear the jurisdictional objection before determining the next steps in the case.
The charge alleges that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made false claims of an assassination plot against her, accusing prominent politicians including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello of conspiring to kill her. These offenses were allegedly committed during addresses to supporters in Kogi State and a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty when arraigned on June 30 and was granted bail on self-recognition. Separately, a related High Court case involving defamation charges also granted her bail of N50 million with conditions.
The court had initially scheduled trial commencement for September 23, but proceedings were delayed due to the jurisdictional objection, leading now to the October 20 hearing date.
