The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged cybercrime to February 4, 2026. The hearing, which was scheduled for Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence. The trial, initially set to begin on February 4, 2025, had previously faced multiple delays. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), proceedings were also stalled on October 21 following 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 granted bail. Justice Umar initially adjourned the trial to September 22, 2025, for the commencement of proceedings. However, on the last scheduled date, the defence raised a preliminary objection just as the prosecution was about to call its first witness. Defence counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, argued that the objection, which challenges the court’s jurisdiction, must be resolved before the trial could proceed. He contended that the case involves an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation and that the defence had not been served with statements of the prosecution’s witnesses. Although the prosecution, led by David Kaswe, argued against halting the trial, Justice Umar ruled that the objection must first be addressed before any further steps could be taken. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faces charges under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024. She is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically to malign, incite, and endanger lives and public order. The allegations stem from 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.
