By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has again adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged cybercrime offences, shifting the matter to February 4, 2026.
Our Correspondent reports that 5he case, which was slated for hearing on Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence. The court, however, fixed February 4, 2025, for the formal commencement of trial.
The matter had previously stalled on October 21 after a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore disrupted proceedings while demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges.
Justice Umar had earlier fixed October 21 for hearing after the September 22 sitting was halted due to an 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 (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar but granted bail, and the court set September 22 for trial to begin.
However, at the last adjourned date, just as prosecuting counsel David Kaswe prepared to call the first witness, with a television screen already mounted for evidence presentation,the defence counsel,Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised a preliminary objection.
West-Idahosa informed the court that a notice challenging its jurisdiction had been filed, stressing that the objection was not against the content of the charges but on alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.
He also complained that the defence had not been served with witness statements.
Although Kaswe argued that the objection should not obstruct proceedings, Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution must first respond to the objection, insisting that the court would determine the defence’s application before taking any further steps.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information via electronic means with intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order.
She is alleged to have, during an address on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of directing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.
The case is being prosecuted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
