Senator's Cybercrime Trial Adjourned Again
The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again postponed the high-profile cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, this time until February 4, 2026. The scheduled hearing on Monday could not proceed due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar.
History of Delays in the Case
This is not the first time the case has faced postponement. The trial was previously stalled on October 21 when proceedings were disrupted by protests organized by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Earlier, on September 22, Justice Umar had fixed the October date after the defense raised an objection that halted the trial's commencement.
The senator was initially arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar. Following her bail grant, the case was adjourned to September 22 for the trial to begin properly.
Legal Maneuvers and Objections
The defense team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ehiogie West-Idahosa, has been actively challenging the prosecution's approach. During the last adjourned date, just as the prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe prepared to call his first witness, the defense raised a preliminary objection.
West-Idahosa expressed concerns about the prosecution's readiness and filed an objection challenging the court's jurisdiction, specifically citing alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation. The defense lawyer also complained about not receiving copies of the prosecution witnesses' statements.
Although prosecutor Kaswe argued that the objection shouldn't stall the day's proceedings, Justice Umar insisted that the prosecution must first respond to the defense's challenge before the trial could proceed.
Allegations and Charges
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faces serious allegations under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024. The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, accuse her of transmitting false and injurious information through electronic means.
The prosecution alleges that during a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State on April 4, the senator claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed in the state. Similar allegations were reportedly repeated during a television interview.
The case continues to attract significant public attention as it involves serious cybercrime charges against a serving senator and allegations touching on the safety of political figures in Nigeria.
