By Muhammad Mamman
The cybercrime case against suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has stalled following objections raised by her defence team.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, arraigned on 30 June on a six-count charge, is accused of spreading false and dangerous allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello. She allegedly claimed, both at a rally in Ihima and on television, that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her killed in a staged community clash.
At Monday’s hearing, defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa argued the court lacked jurisdiction, describing the case as an abuse of the Attorney General’s powers. He also noted that the prosecution had failed to serve witness statements.
Although prosecutors said they were ready to call their first witness, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the defence’s objection must be addressed before the trial could proceed. The case was adjourned to 20 October.
The charges, filed under the 2024 Cybercrimes Act, carry severe penalties if proven.
