COURT ADJOURNS TRIAL OF SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN ON CYBERCRIME CHARGES TO FEBRUARY 4, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is facing cybercrime-related charges, to February 4, 2026.

The case, which was scheduled for hearing on Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar, did not proceed due to the judge’s absence. This marks another delay in the proceedings, which had previously stalled on October 21 following a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding the release of convicted IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The court had originally fixed October 21 for trial after the matter was adjourned on September 22 due to an objection by the defence.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail thereafter.

At the last sitting, the prosecution represented by David Kaswe was set to open its case when counsel to the defendant, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, raised a preliminary objection, prompting the court to halt proceedings.

A television screen had reportedly been installed in the courtroom ahead of the planned hearing.

West-Idahosa told the court that: A notice of preliminary objection had been filed, challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The objection related to an alleged abuse of the Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers, not the content of the charges.

The defence had not been served with witness statements.

Although Kaswe argued that the objection should not disrupt the day’s business, Justice Umar ruled that the court would first address the jurisdictional challenge before proceeding with the trial.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of: Transmitting false and injurious electronic information intended to malign, incite, endanger lives, and threaten public order.Alleging during an April 4 address in Ihima, Kogi State, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed.

Repeating these claims during a television interview.

The charge was brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

The case is now set for February 4, 2026, when the trial is expected to formally commence.