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Trial of Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stalls Over Defence Objection.
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Court adjourns case to October 20 to hear preliminary motion first.
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She faces six-count charge over alleged false claims against Akpabio, Bello.
The planned commencement of trial in the cybercrime case filed against suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, was stalled on Monday after her legal team raised a preliminary objection.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan, arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The charges stem from allegations that she made false and injurious claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
The case was scheduled for the prosecution to open on September 22. Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe announced readiness, with the first witness present and equipment set up for evidence presentation. However, defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), objected, insisting the court must first rule on his client’s notice of preliminary objection.
According to West-Idahosa, the objection challenges what he described as “abuse of prosecutorial powers” by the Attorney General of the Federation. He also said the defence had not been served with witness statements.
“The objection goes to the root of the case and must be determined before the prosecution can proceed,” he argued.
Justice Mohammed Umar upheld the defence position, ruling that the objection must be heard first. The case was adjourned to October 20, 2025, for hearing.
One of the counts accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of telling a gathering in Ihima, Okehi LGA, on April 4, 2025, that Akpabio instructed Bello to arrange her assassination. The prosecution said her statements were calculated to incite violence and endanger lives, damaging the reputations of both men.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate six months ago following a petition lodged by Akpabio with the Inspector-General of Police. Police investigations led to the filing of the six-count charge now before Justice Umar.
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