By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime charges to February 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The case, originally scheduled for Monday, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence. It had also been postponed on October 21 following protests organized by activist Omoyele Sowore calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted on terrorism charges.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the trial was initially set for September 22 but was delayed after her defence raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
During the previous hearing, as the prosecution prepared to call its first witness, defence counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, argued that the objection—centered on an alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF)—needed resolution before the trial could proceed. The defence also raised concerns about not receiving copies of prosecution witness statements. Justice Umar ruled that the objection must first be addressed.
Akpoti-Uduaghan faces allegations of transmitting false and injurious information via electronic means with the intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disrupt public order. The charges relate to statements she allegedly made on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of ordering former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She is also accused of repeating the claims during a television interview.
