The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to February 4, 2026. The case, scheduled for hearing on Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence. The new date has now been fixed for the commencement of the full trial.
This is the latest in a series of delays. A previous hearing set for October 21 was also stalled, reportedly because of a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The six-count charge against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was filed on June 30 by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. After being granted bail, the case was initially set to begin on September 22.
However, on that date—just as prosecuting counsel David Kaswe prepared to call the first witness, following the installation of a television screen in the courtroom—the defense team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ehiogie West-Idahosa, raised a preliminary objection.
West-Idahosa argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, accusing the prosecution of abusing the powers of the Attorney General of the Federation. He further stated that the defense had not been served with the required witness statements.
Although the prosecution maintained that the objection should not interrupt the day’s proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution must first respond formally to the objection. The judge insisted on resolving the jurisdictional challenge before taking any further steps in the case.
The charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan are brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. She is accused of transmitting false and harmful information electronically, allegedly intended to cause malice, incite unrest, and disturb public order.
The allegations stem from comments she purportedly made on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her assassinated. She allegedly repeated similar accusations during a subsequent television interview, claiming both men conspired to kill her.
