Natasha’s Trial Over Alleged Cybercrime Fixed For Oct 20

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

The legislator is being tried for cybercrime charges brought against her by the national authorities earlier a Federal High Court successful Abuja.

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

During yesterday’s proceedings, prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe told the tribunal that the prosecution’s concern was to unfastened its lawsuit by calling its archetypal witness.

Kaswe, who had a tv surface mounted successful the courtroom preparatory to the commencement of proceedings, told the tribunal that the prosecution had a witnesser successful tribunal and was acceptable to proceed.

Responding, defence lawyers, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) expressed interest astir the anticipation of the prosecution opening its case.

West-Idahosa said his lawsuit has filed a announcement of preliminary objection to situation the court’s jurisdiction to perceive the case.

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

The defence lawyer besides complained astir not being served with copies of the statements of the prosecution witnesses.

Although Kaswe argued strenuously that the defendant’s objection should not beryllium allowed to stall the court’s concern for the day, Justice Umar insisted that the prosecution indispensable archetypal respond to the objection.

The justice said helium intends to find the defence’s objection earlier proceeding with the case.

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