The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the cybercrime trial of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to 24 November.
The new hearing date was fixed on 21 October, following the resumption of court activities that were stalled the previous day due to the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest organised by activist Omoyele Sowore.
The protest had disrupted proceedings on October 20, the initial date slated for the trial in the Court.
On Monday, Justice Umar’s courtroom, located on the third floor of the Federal High Court, was under lock and key as judicial activities were grounded.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is alleged to have transmitted false and injurious information via electronic means with the intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order.
The senator is accused of alleging, during a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, instructed former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, to have her killed in the state.
She was further alleged to have repeated the claims during a television interview, stating that both men plotted to eliminate her in Kogi.
The charge was brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Justice Umar had earlier, on 22 September, adjourned the matter following an objection raised by the defence.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on 30 June on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.
She was granted bail thereafter, and the case was adjourned to 22 September for commencement of trial.
However, on the last adjourned date, when prosecuting counsel David Kaswe was about to call the first witness, the defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
West-Idahosa told the court that the objection was not against the nature of the charge but on grounds of alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.
He also complained that the defence had not been served with the statements of the prosecution witnesses.
Although Kaswe argued that the objection should not stall the day’s proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution must first respond to the defence’s objection before the case could proceed.
The judge said he would determine the objection before taking any further steps in the matter.
