Court defers Natasha Akpoti’s cybercrime trial to October 20

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, FG’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, drew the court’s attention to a preliminary objection filed to contest its jurisdiction.

He explained that the objection centered on alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice. The defence also complained that the prosecution had failed to provide copies of full witness statements.

He stated, “Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, makes it compulsory that the defendant must be served with the proof of evidence to enable her to effectively prepare her defence to the charge.”

FG’s lawyer countered, arguing that the objection was insufficient to delay the trial. He urged the court to allow the prosecution to proceed, insisting the court has the requisite jurisdiction to hear the cybercrime charge.

“We have exercised our prosecutorial powers according to both the Constitution and the Cybercrime law. The AGF has the power to prefer charge against anyone,” Kaswe added.

In a brief ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar stated he would hear the objection first before taking further steps in the case.

The charge, marked CR/297/25, alleges that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made a false assassination claim, accusing some politicians of plotting to kill her. According to the FG, the offence occurred when she addressed supporters in Kogi State and on April 3 during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The senator was specifically accused of naming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello as participants in the alleged plot, claiming both had agreed she should be eliminated under circumstances that would appear as a mob action.

The prosecution argued that her statements caused the false allegations to be transmitted, harming the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty when she was arraigned on June 30 and was granted bail on self-recognition.

Separately, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Maitama had on June 19 granted her bail of N50 million with one surety, who must be a person of integrity and a property owner in Abuja, in a related case accusing her of defaming Senator Akpabio and ex-governor Bello. The court’s decision cited section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The court initially fixed September 23 for the commencement of the trial, but proceedings were delayed due to the jurisdictional objection.

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