Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged cybercrime until February 4, 2026.
The trial, originally scheduled for Monday Nov. 24, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence. It had also been stalled on October 21 following a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on six counts filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, and her trial was initially set to commence on September 22.
The senator is accused of spreading false information intending to incite and endanger lives. She allegedly claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to have her killed.
On the last adjourned date, the defence lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He also said they had not received statements of prosecution witnesses.
Justice Umar said the objection must be addressed before any trial proceedings can continue. The case is filed under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024.
