The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to February 4, 2026. The case, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, could not proceed on Monday due to the judge’s absence.
The matter had previously suffered delays, including the October 21 sitting, which was disrupted by a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted for terrorism offences.
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Senator 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. She was granted bail, and the court fixed September 22 for trial commencement.
However, on the earlier adjourned date, when prosecuting counsel David Kaswe prepared to call the first witness—after a television screen had been mounted in court—the defence raised an objection.
Her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), told the court that a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction had already been filed.
He argued that the objection was not about the charges themselves but about an alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.
The defence also complained that the prosecution had failed to serve them with witness statements.
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Although the prosecution insisted the objection should not stall proceedings, Justice Umar maintained that the court must first address the defence’s objection before hearing any testimony.
Allegations Against the Senator
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information through electronic channels with the intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.
The charges stem from her public statements on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, where she allegedly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of directing former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
- She is also alleged to have repeated the accusations during a television interview, claiming both men plotted to assassinate her.
The case is being prosecuted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024.
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