Natasha’s Trial Over Alleged Cybercrime Fixed For Oct 20

The trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which was scheduled for yesterday, was stalled owing to an objection raised by the defendant.

The senator is being tried for cybercrime charges brought against her by the federal government before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar and granted bail, following which Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned till September 22 for the commencement of trial.

During yesterday’s proceedings, prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe told the court that the prosecution’s business was to open its case by calling its first witness.

Kaswe, who had a television screen mounted in the courtroom preparatory to the commencement of proceedings, told the court that the prosecution had a witness in court and was ready to proceed.

Responding, defence lawyers, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) expressed concern about the possibility of the prosecution opening its case.

West-Idahosa said his client has filed a notice of preliminary objection to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

He said the objection is not to the nature of the charge, but the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The defence lawyer also complained about not being served with copies of the statements of the prosecution witnesses.

Although Kaswe argued strenuously that the defendant’s objection should not be allowed to stall the court’s business for the day, Justice Umar insisted that the prosecution must first respond to the objection.

The judge said he intends to determine the defence’s objection before proceeding with the case.

He subsequently fixed October 20 for the hearing of the objection.