The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on alleged cybercrime charges was on Monday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following a preliminary objection raised by her legal team.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the matter, postponed further proceedings after the defence challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case, citing alleged misuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Background to the Trial
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30, 2025, on a six-count cybercrime charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the trial was initially scheduled to commence on September 22.
At Monday’s hearing, Prosecution Counsel David Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution was fully prepared to proceed, with the first witness present and a television screen already mounted for evidence presentation.
However, defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) objected to the commencement of the trial, revealing that the defence had filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
“The objection is not against the charge itself, but concerns the abuse of prosecutorial powers by the AGF’s office,” West-Idahosa told the court.
Defence Cites Lack of Witness Statements
In addition to the jurisdictional challenge, the defence team also complained of not being served with the prosecution’s witness statements, which they argued was essential for fair trial preparation.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to proceed with the trial, arguing that the objection should not obstruct proceedings.
Court Rules on Objection
Justice Umar ruled in favour of the defence, stating that the issue of jurisdiction must first be resolved before any substantive hearing could begin.
“The court will first determine the preliminary objection before proceeding further,” Justice Umar declared.
The matter was consequently adjourned to October 20, 2025, for the hearing of the objection.
