Court Adjourns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Over Objection

By MELVIN KOFFA

THE trial of suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on charges of alleged cybercrime was on Monday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case, which involves allegations of transmitting false and injurious information against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello, could not proceed after her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised a preliminary objection.

Justice Mohammed Umar had earlier fixed 22 September for commencement of trial following the senator’s bail. However, when proceedings opened, West-Idahosa challenged the court’s jurisdiction, accusing the prosecution of abusing the Attorney-General’s powers. He also argued that the defence had not been served with witness statements.

The prosecution, led by David Kaswe, countered that it was ready to proceed and would respond to the objection, noting that its first witness was already present in court.

Justice Umar ruled that the jurisdictional challenge must first be resolved before trial could begin and adjourned the matter to 20 October.

Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar, under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.

The prosecution alleges she made public claims in April 2025 that Akpabio instructed Bello to orchestrate her assassination in Kogi, statements authorities say were false, inciting, and capable of endangering lives.

If convicted, the offence carries penalties under Section 24 of the Act.