The cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has encountered another significant delay, with the Federal High Court in Abuja rescheduling proceedings to February 4, 2026. This marks the latest postponement in a case that has faced multiple setbacks since its initiation.
Court Proceedings Disrupted by Judge's Absence
The scheduled hearing for this Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar could not proceed due to the presiding judge's absence. This development represents the second major delay in the high-profile case, following an earlier adjournment on October 21 that was reportedly caused by protests demanding Nnamdi Kanu's release.
The case originated on June 30 when the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, filed a six-count charge against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024.
Legal Maneuvers and Jurisdictional Challenges
The trial's progression has been complicated by legal technicalities and defense objections. During the September 22 hearing, as prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe prepared to call the first witness, defense counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, intervened with a preliminary objection.
The defense challenged the court's jurisdiction to hear the matter, focusing specifically on alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation. West-Idahosa also highlighted that the defense had not received required copies of prosecution witnesses' statements.
Despite prosecution arguments that the objection should not impede court business, Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution must first formally respond to the preliminary objection. The judge emphasized his intention to resolve this jurisdictional challenge before proceeding with any other aspects of the case.
Allegations and Political Implications
The charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan center on allegations that she transmitted false and injurious information through electronic means, with intent to create malice, incite unrest, and breach public order.
Specifically, the senator is accused of making a public statement on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi to orchestrate her assassination within the state. She is further alleged to have repeated similar claims during a subsequent television interview, maintaining that both men conspired to plot her killing in Kogi.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious nature of the allegations. The repeated adjournments have raised questions about the timeline for resolution of this politically sensitive matter.
Following the initial charges, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail, with the case originally scheduled to begin proper trial on September 22 before the defense's jurisdictional challenge prompted further delays.
