ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday deferred the full-blown hearing of the six-count cybercrime charge brought against the suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to October 20.
The hearing, initially scheduled to commence, was stalled after the defendant filed a fresh application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try her.
During proceedings, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe, informed the court that the prosecution’s witness was ready for trial. However, the defence team, led by Mr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised a preliminary objection questioning the court’s authority to hear the case.
The defence argued that the objection centers on an alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. They also contended that the prosecution failed to provide copies of full statements of their proposed witnesses.
West-Idahosa told the court that, under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it is mandatory for a defendant to be served with proof of evidence to prepare an effective defence.
Kaswe, representing the Federal Government, countered that the objection should not prevent the trial from starting. He maintained that the court possesses the requisite jurisdiction to hear cybercrime charges.
“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.
The case has drawn attention due to the political prominence of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been suspended from her seat representing Kogi Central. Legal experts suggest that the jurisdictional challenge could lead to further delays in the proceedings.
Observers note that the postponement highlights ongoing tensions between the prosecution and the defence regarding proper adherence to procedural rules in high-profile cases.
The court adjourned the matter to October 20 to allow sufficient time to resolve the jurisdictional issues and for both parties to prepare their arguments.
This development marks another twist in a case that has attracted nationwide attention, given the senator’s political stature and the implications of cybercrime charges in Nigeria’s legal system.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was present in court, did not make any public statements as proceedings concluded for the day.
The trial is expected to resume amid close monitoring by legal analysts and political observers, as the case could set precedents for prosecutorial powers and defendants’ rights in Nigeria.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
