A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime charges to November 24.
The hearing, originally scheduled for October 20, was disrupted on Monday due to protests calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The demonstration affected normal activities across parts of the Federal Capital Territory, preventing many people from reaching their workplaces.
An inquiry at the court on Tuesday revealed that Justice Mohammed Umar has now rescheduled the next hearing for November 24.
Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. She is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically with intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order.
The charges include claims that on April 4, 2025, at a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She is also accused of repeating similar claims during a television interview, asserting that Akpabio and Bello plotted to assassinate her.
At the last hearing on September 22, the prosecution’s plan to call witnesses was stalled by a preliminary objection filed by the defence. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case and raised concerns about the alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). He also noted that the defence had not been served with copies of the prosecution witnesses’ statements.
Justice Umar stressed that the prosecution must first respond to the preliminary objection before the court could proceed. He adjourned the matter until October 20 to hear the objection; however, the scheduled hearing was disrupted by Monday’s protests.
