The Federal High Court in Abuja has again adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged cybercrime offences, scheduling a new date for February 4, 2026.
The matter, earlier fixed for hearing on Monday by Justice Mohammed Umar, could not proceed as the judge was absent.
The court consequently adjourned the case to February 4, 2026, for commencement of trial.
The matter also failed to hold on October 21 due to a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, who demanded the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, recently convicted on terrorism charges.
Justice Umar had first fixed October 21 for the substantive hearing after the trial was stalled on September 22 due to objections 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, Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and the case adjourned to September 22 for trial.
However, when prosecuting counsel David Kaswe attempted to open his case by calling the first witness, the defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, objected, citing a pending preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
Defence Challenges Prosecution’s Authority
West-Idahosa told the court that the objection did not challenge the nature of the charges but questioned what he described as an “abuse of the prosecutorial powers” of the Attorney General of the Federation.
He also complained that the defence had not been served with statements of prosecution witnesses.
Kaswe opposed the objection, arguing it should not halt proceedings, but Justice Umar insisted that the prosecution must respond before the court could proceed.
The judge stated that he would first resolve the jurisdictional issue before taking further steps in the case.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically with intent to malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order.
She allegedly told a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, on April 4, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her assassinated.
The prosecution also alleges that she repeated the claims during a television interview, accusing the Senate President and Bello of plotting to kill her.
The charge was filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
