Abuja Court Adjourns Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial to October 20

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of the six-count cybercrime case against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20.

The adjournment followed a preliminary objection filed by her legal team, led by Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case. The defence argued that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) abused prosecutorial powers and that the prosecution had failed to provide full witness statements, violating Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which ensures the right to fair hearing.

Federal Government counsel David Kaswe opposed the objection, insisting that the court had the jurisdiction and urging the trial to proceed.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the court would first determine the jurisdictional objection before taking further steps in the trial.

The charge, marked CR/297/25, accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making false assassination claims during a public speech and a live television interview, in which she named Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello as allegedly plotting to kill her. The prosecution argues her statements harmed their reputations and violated Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act, 2024.

The senator pleaded not guilty at her June 30 arraignment and was granted bail on self-recognition. She also faces a separate defamation case at the FCT High Court, where she was granted N50 million bail with one surety.