Newday Reporters

Court Schedules November 24 for Trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Alleged Cybercrime

Abuja — The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed November 24 for the hearing of the six-count cybercrime charge filed by the Federal Government against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Justice Mohammed Umar set the new date after the scheduled proceedings were disrupted by Monday’s protest, which halted court activities across the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the Federal Government, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly violated the Cybercrime Act by making a false claim that some political rivals were plotting to assassinate her. The charge stated that she made the allegation publicly during an address to her supporters in Kogi State and later repeated it on April 3 in a live broadcast on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” programme.

The lawmaker, who was arraigned on June 30, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail on self-recognition.

Her legal team, led by Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, has filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter. The defence argued that the prosecution’s actions amounted to an abuse of the powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and that the defendant was not properly served with the full statements of prosecution witnesses.

West-Idahosa further cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that a defendant must receive the full proof of evidence to adequately prepare for defence.

Responding, government counsel David Kaswe maintained that the prosecution acted in line with the Constitution and the Cybercrime law, asserting that the AGF possesses the legal authority to institute charges against any individual.

“Our witnesses are ready to appear before this Honourable Court to testify. We have exercised our prosecutorial powers properly and within the ambit of the law,” Kaswe stated.

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