(DDM) – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to October 20.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the adjournment came after Natasha’s legal team filed a fresh objection, questioning the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
The six-count charge against the lawmaker was filed by the Federal Government under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
At the resumed proceedings, government lawyer David Kaswe informed the court that a witness was ready to testify.
But defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, raised a preliminary objection against the trial.
He argued that the case was built on an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.
He further complained that the prosecution had not served the defence team with complete witness statements, as required by law.
West-Idahosa said Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution makes it mandatory for defendants to be given proof of evidence to prepare their case.
In response, Kaswe urged the court to dismiss the objection and proceed with the trial.
He insisted that the AGF acted within constitutional powers in filing the charges.
Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the court would first hear and determine the objection before continuing with the main trial.
The case has now been deferred to October 20 for further hearing.
Senator Natasha is accused of making false claims about an assassination plot against her during a live television broadcast and in public statements to her supporters in Kogi State.
She allegedly named Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello as masterminds of a meeting where her elimination was planned.
The Federal Government says the claim was false, malicious, and intended to damage the reputation of the two political figures.
The charges carry penalties under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime law.
Natasha has pleaded not guilty and maintains that she is a victim of political persecution.
She was earlier suspended from the Senate for six months over related allegations.
In June, she was also arraigned before a High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on defamation charges brought by Akpabio and Bello.
That court granted her bail in the sum of N50 million, with strict conditions, including a surety who must own property in the FCT.
Observers note that the multiple legal battles are shaping into one of the most high-profile political trials of 2025.
Analysts say the outcome could influence both political rivalries in Kogi and broader debates about the use of cybercrime laws against politicians.
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