Trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stalled Again, Rescheduled for November 24

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to November 24, following delays caused by recent developments, including protests and legal objections.

Justice Umar had initially fixed Monday, October 20, for the commencement of trial, but proceedings were stalled due to a protest organized by Omoyele Sowore calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Court activities resumed on Tuesday, during which the matter was given a new date for continuation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was first arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the case was earlier fixed for September 22 for the commencement of trial.

However, at the last sitting, the defence team, led by Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), raised a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

West-Idahosa argued that the objection was not against the nature of the charge itself, but against what he described as an abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). He also complained that the defence had not been served with copies of the prosecution’s witness statements.

The prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, opposed the objection, urging the court to proceed with the day’s business. However, Justice Umar ruled that the court would first determine the jurisdictional objection before taking any further steps in the matter.

In the charge, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information via electronic means, allegedly intended to malign, incite, and endanger lives, and breach public peace, contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The prosecution alleges that during a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, the senator accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of instructing former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. It is further alleged that she repeated the claim in a television interview.

The court is expected to hear arguments on the jurisdictional objection on November 24, before deciding whether to proceed with the substantive trial.