The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on allegations of cybercrime to February 4, 2026. Justice Mohammed Umar shifted the commencement of trial after the matter, slated for Monday, could not proceed due to his absence.
The case had earlier failed to hold on October 21 following a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted on terrorism charges.
Justice Umar had fixed the October date after proceedings were stalled on September 22 over a preliminary objection raised by the defence. Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, and was granted bail before the court scheduled September 22 for trial.
However, when prosecution counsel David Kaswe attempted to open his case by calling the first witness, defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, objected. He informed the court that a notice challenging its jurisdiction had been filed, alleging abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation. He also complained about not being served with witness statements.
Although Kaswe argued that the objection should not delay the proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution must first respond, insisting the court would address the jurisdictional challenge before proceeding.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically with intent to incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order. She allegedly claimed during an April 4 gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, and later in a television interview, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
The charges were filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024.
