The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged cybercrime until February 4, 2026. The hearing, scheduled for Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence.
The trial, originally slated to commence on February 4, 2025, has experienced multiple delays. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a previous hearing on October 21 was disrupted by a protest led by Mr. Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently convicted on terrorism charges.
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 was granted bail. Justice Umar initially adjourned the trial to September 22, 2025, for the commencement of proceedings.
At the last scheduled hearing, the defence raised a preliminary objection just as the prosecution was preparing to call its first witness. Defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, argued that the objection, which challenges the court’s jurisdiction, must be resolved first. He claimed the case involves an alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation and noted that the defence had not been served with the prosecution witnesses’ statements.
While the prosecution, led by David Kaswe, sought to proceed, Justice Umar ruled that the objection must be addressed before the trial could continue.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is charged under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024. She is accused of transmitting false and injurious information via electronic means to malign, incite, and endanger lives and public order. The allegations relate to statements she reportedly made on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi, and in a television interview, claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
